Kendall J. Willardson Memorial Scholarship Winners Announced by Intermountain Health

Intermountain Sevier Valley Hospital recently awarded five Kendall J. Willardson Memorial Scholarships to local Utah high school graduates.

Graduates Daxon Morrill, Drew Sedgwick, Emma Hallows, Kambrey Marshall, and Nicole Willardson each demonstrated unique academic excellence, impactful community service, and extracurricular involvement while in high school and were awarded $1,000 scholarships to pursue higher education. The recipient’s fields of study vary, but they each have a strong desire to build a career serving others.

Daxon Morrill from Piute High School, Junction, Utah volunteered time maintaining community gardens and assisting with neighborhood cleanups and the Piute County Fair. He was a four-sport participant, named to Academic All-State, and was involved in FBLA, Student Council, and Student Government. He also participated in choir. He earned an FBLA state championship in Community Service. Daxon wants to become a physical therapist and plans to study exercise science at Utah Tech University.

Drew Sedgwick from North Sevier High School, Salina, Utah served many hours on the Youth Court Council and volunteered her time cleaning and organizing for the Drama Club. She played two sports and participated in the National Honor Society and Theatre Club. She also served as a Student Body Officer Service Coordinator. Drew plans to explore STEM-related careers while at Utah Tech University.

Emma Hallows from Wayne High School, Bicknell, Utah was involved in FFA, FCCLA, theater, Student Government, and Seminary Youth Council, and she played four sports. She received Academic All-State honors in two sports and a Sterling Scholar award in science. She impacted her community through volunteer work like neighborhood cleanups, cutting firewood, and helping to feed the less fortunate through the Basket Project. Emma wants to become a labor and delivery nurse and plans to attend Southern Utah University.

Kambrey Marshall from South Sevier High School, Monroe, Utah was a member of the school’s Drill Team and participated in Student Government and Prom Committee. She helped the school earn two Drill Team State Championships. She volunteered time fundraising for community members in need, interning at an audiology clinic, and deep cleaning a community center. Kambrey wants to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Nicole Willardson from Richfield High School, Richfield, Utah served her community by planning service projects, playing music for the elderly, and mentoring youth in sports. She participated in three sports, received Academic All-State honors, and was named Region MVP in volleyball. Nicole will be a student-athlete at Utah Tech University and plans to study exercise science.

“This scholarship was created as our way of remembering Kendall Willardson and all the contributions he made—both to our hospital and to the communities he loved,” said Brent Schmidt, Intermountain Sevier Valley Hospital administrator. “We are proud to offer this scholarship to students in our service area who share interests and goals similar to Kendall’s. We wish these five students and all the Class of 2023 much success as they start this next chapter in their lives.”

Kendall Willardson is remembered for being deeply passionate about his family and community, serving others, sports, and the healthcare industry – traits that these local students exemplified and will continue to cultivate in our communities as recipients of these awards.

Media Note: Individual recipient photos available upon request.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.