Kristin Runyon’s compassion and dedication to nursing continue to inspire future caregivers through a memorial scholarship established in her name. Now in its 15th year, the Kristin Runyon Memorial Scholarship has helped 50 nursing students pursue their calling — extending Kristin’s legacy through a new generation of compassionate caregivers.
Kristin’s life and promising nursing career were tragically cut short in 2010. She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to patient care and her passion for the nursing profession. Her legacy lives on through the Kristin Runyon Memorial Scholarship, which recently awarded funds to eight aspiring nurses:
- Amelia Thomas of Lewisberry
- Ke-Ihja DeShields of York
- Brooke Taylor of Shippensburg
- Makenna Varner of Fayetteville
- Jessica Redos of Greencastle
- Tamara Hollar of Waynesboro
- Kayla Dolison of York
- Rachel Newswanger of Newville
These students embody the compassion and dedication Kristin championed throughout her career.
Kristin’s mother, Barb Runyon, helped establish the scholarship to honor her daughter’s memory and support future nurses. The scholarship is available to full-time students enrolled in a registered nursing degree who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and reside in Franklin County or the surrounding counties.
Since its inception in 2011, the fund has awarded $154,000 to 50 nursing students. It is sustained by generous donations from family, friends, colleagues, former patients and the broader community.
The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also encourages recipients to pursue nursing with the same passion Kristin exemplified.
Recipients share how support fuels their nursing dreams
Amelia Thomas, a student at York College of Pennsylvania, said she’s known she wanted to care for others as a nurse since a young age. “What draws me most to nursing is the connection it creates with people and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference during vulnerable moments in their lives,” she said.
Ke-Ihja DeShields, a student at York College of Pennsylvania, shared how receiving the scholarship for the second year in a row continues to shape her as a person. “This scholarship has truly changed my life,” she said. “It has given me confidence, encouragement and a renewed sense of purpose during one of the most difficult periods of my life.”
Brooke Taylor, a student at UMPC Shadyside School of Nursing at Harrisburg, said growing up in a rural area with a mother who was a nurse opened her eyes to the power of the profession. “I got to see my mom as a ‘hero’ in many situations because she was a nurse and the people who lived close by trusted her,” she said. “Through these experiences … I learned so much about the nursing profession, the healthcare field, having empathy for others and the commitment it takes to hold such a trusted and caring position … .”
Makenna Varner, a student at James Madison University, said her goal is to return to the Chambersburg area after graduation to serve the community that has invested so much in her. “I want to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients while continuing to leave a positive impact on the lives of those around me.”
Jessica Redos, a student at Saint Francis University, said her pursuit of a public health degree in tandem with a nursing degree will help her break down barriers to care for all. “I hope to combine my clinical knowledge with a public health perspective to not only care for patients on a personal level, but also strive to promote health equity, education and access to care in Franklin County and surrounding areas.”
Tamara Hollar, a student at Hagerstown Community College, shared that the COVID pandemic temporarily sidelined her dream to become a nurse, but she’s back at it with more energy and commitment than ever before. “Once returning to finish my prerequisites, I haven’t let up on the gas. … Becoming a nurse has been a passion of mine for years.”
Kayla Dolison, a student at York College of Pennsylvania, said her lived experience as a social worker in the Harrisburg area inspired her to care for people in a new and different way. “While I found the work meaningful, I was drawn toward an environment where I could respond to urgent human needs more directly and immediately,” she said. “That desire led me to healthcare.”
Rachel Newswanger, a student at Wilson College, said her academic and personal experiences have imbued her with a deep appreciation for compassionate, skillful care. “My motivation to pursue this path is rooted in the strong desire to support individuals during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.”
As more students benefit from the scholarship, Kristin’s dedication to nursing continues to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals — ensuring her legacy endures well beyond her years at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.
