Cares Campaign Scholars
Meet Our Inaugural Cares Scholars
These four individuals — all from right here in our community — are the first chapter of the Cares Campaign, and the first of many healthcare professionals we will help train, support and keep rooted here. We are incredibly proud of each of them, and inspired by the difference they will make as the next generation of healthcare providers in our region.
Donna Burnett | Medical Assisting
Donna Burnett is a non-traditional Medical Assisting student at Gaston College who left a 30-year accounting career to pursue her calling in healthcare. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and a lifelong desire to serve others, she has maintained a 3.778 GPA while balancing academics, family responsibilities and active leadership roles — including Lab Leader and Volunteer Coordinator for the Professional Healthcare Career Club. An NTHS inductee and third-place finisher in the SkillsUSA Medical Terminology competition, Donna is passionate about patient education and women's health as she works toward becoming a nurse and health educator.
Eevie Johnson | Radiologic Technology
Eevie Johnson is a Gaston College student pursuing a career in healthcare, guided by a lifelong commitment to service and a desire to improve the lives of those around her. A 2017 valedictorian of Cherryville High School and Magna Cum Laude graduate of Appalachian State University, she brings academic excellence and years of meaningful community involvement to her new path — from volunteering at CaroMont Health in high school to serving on F.A.R.M. Cafe's Board of Directors, traveling to Honduras to help build a school and rising to Membership Coordinator at Sally's YMCA. Inspired by the strong healthcare women in her family, Eevie is committed to carrying that legacy of compassion and service forward in her own career.
Eli Johnson | Medical Assisting
Eli Johnson is a Certified Nursing Assistant pursuing his Certified Medical Assistant (CMA, AAMA) certification with a deep-rooted passion for serving others, particularly older adult populations. His healthcare journey began as a volunteer at CaroMont Health and Courtland Terrace, where he found his calling working alongside patients and residents. A second-place finisher at the SkillsUSA North Carolina state competition, inductee of the National Technical Honor Society and Employee of the Month at Courtland Terrace, Eli brings both academic excellence and genuine compassion to everything he does. He is committed to embodying CaroMont's CARES values in his everyday practice as he continues to grow within the healthcare field.
Sara Scoggins | Nursing
Sara Scoggins is a Gaston College nursing student whose path to healthcare was shaped by years of personal medical experiences and a lifelong drive to care for others. After careers in cosmetology and mortgage origination left her unfulfilled, a chance conversation with a nurse-client led her back to school, where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA, earned President's List honors and served as Vice President of the Pre-Healthcare Club. Sara brings academic excellence, resilience and genuine compassion to her pursuit of nursing — driven by a deep belief that every patient deserves the kind of care that truly makes a difference.