July 28, 2025 —Sleepy Hollow, NY (July 28, 2025)—Kendal on Hudson, a Life Plan Community (CCRC), continues to help tackle the severe nursing shortage impacting the nation by awarding $1,000 scholarships to high-achieving high school and college students pursuing nursing careers.
These scholarships, awarded by Kendal on Hudson’s Board Philanthropy Committee, recognize outstanding academic and community achievements while supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through these scholarship programs and other charitable efforts, Kendal on Hudson addresses societal challenges while fostering meaningful community connections.
Sleepy Hollow High School Nursing Award: Cultivating Nursing Aspirations
This year, five outstanding seniors from Sleepy Hollow High School received $1,000 to aid their nursing education: Jason Chapa, Maily Duque, Annabella Luciano, Kayla McGuigan,and Crystaly Rodriguez. Each student shared their unique aspirations.
Jason Chapa shared his plans to become a registered nurse specializing in community health after successfully completing a rigorous schedule of challenging AP courses. For Maily Duque, nursing offers a chance to connect deeply with people and ensure equitable care, a value rooted in her work with children with Down Syndrome. Similarly, Annabella Luciano aspires to focus on pediatric orthopedic care, while Kayla McGuigan imagines a career as a nurse practitioner helping patients through difficult times. Lastly, Crystaly Rodriguez reflected on how her values of compassion and integrity fuel her passion for pursuing a career in the nursing profession.
Thanks to this initiative, to date, 34 Sleepy Hollow High School seniors have been awarded a collective total of $21,000 in scholarships.
Pace University Nursing Award: Supporting Future Leaders in Healthcare
Additionally, five promising Pace University students received $1,000 toward their nursing programs: Omayra Lugo, Cailin Jones, Emily Loja, Rebecca Guzman, and Phoo Pwint Kyaw. Four recipients attended a luncheon at Kendal’s Sleepy Hollow campus, where they had the opportunity to connect with staff and share their professional goals.
Since the program’s inception, 15 nursing students have been awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships, fueling their educational journeys in nursing, gerontology, mental health and other related fields.
Dedicated to Making an Impact
Jean Eccleston, CEO of Kendal on Hudson, reinforced the organization’s commitment, stating, “At Kendal on Hudson, we deeply value our connection with the broader community and are inspired by these students’ dedication. Their passion and commitment will strengthen the future of healthcare.”
Caroline Persell, Chair of the Board of Directors’ Philanthropy Committee, added, “It’s wonderful to assist these remarkable students who are dedicated to such a high-need field of healthcare. Supporting their dreams of serving others aligns with Kendal’s ongoing mission to positively impact the healthcare field and the broader community.”
About the Scholarship
Kendal on Hudson’s healthcare scholarship programs exemplify the organization’s dedication to investing in future leaders. By alleviating some of the financial challenges faced by nursing students, Kendal helps foster resilience and ambition among these young professionals, enabling them to focus on their education and aspirations.
Since launching, Kendal on Hudson’s scholarship programs have awarded more than $36,000 to high-achieving students, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare workforce. By providing these resources, Kendal supports students in overcoming financial hurdles and encourages the skills and ambition necessary to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Interested students meet specific qualifications and apply directly through their schools.
About Kendal on Hudson
Located in the historic lower Hudson Valley town of Sleepy Hollow just 35 miles from New York City, Kendal on Hudson is adjacent to Rockwood Hall State Park. The Life Plan Community offers a vibrant lifestyle with resident-engaged cultural programs and continuing learning, while also providing comprehensive on-site health care. It supports a culture of diversity, inclusiveness and independence.
COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS
A continuing focus of Kendal’s philanthropy is addressing the severe nursing shortage in this country. Since 2021,15 Pace University nursing students have received $1,000 Kendal on Hudson scholarships.
In May 2025, four of the five new Pace nursing award recipients attended a luncheon at Kendal and shared their goals for the future with Kendal staff.
Each was awarded a $1,000 grant toward their educational expenses. Three recipients are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Nursing; two will become Nurse Practitioners; one is in Adult Gerontology, and the other is in Psychiatry.
Pictured above in the front row: Omayra Lugo, Cailin Jones, Emily Loja, Rebecca Guzman. (The fifth winner, Phoo Pwint Kyaw, was not able to attend.)
In 2025, five deserving Sleepy Hollow High School seniors received $1,000 awards to be used to offset some of their nursing school expenses. Their photos are shown below.
Jason Chapa
Maily Duque
Annabella Luciano
Kayla McGuigan
Crystaly Rodriguez
Jason Chapa has maintained a high GPA and taken challenging AP courses. He will attend Iona University and plans to become a registered nurse specializing in community or family health.
An active volunteer, Maily Duque has worked with children with Down Syndrome. To her, nursing is a chance to connect with people and ensure they receive the care they deserve. She will attend Manhattanville University.
Three-time winner of the Outstanding School Community Citizen Award, Annabella Luciano will pursue her nursing studies at Fairfield University. She plans to become a pediatricorthopedic nurse.
Kayla McGuigan’s ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner. She will begin her nursing education at Endicott College. She wants to help people through their toughest times and be a light in their day.
Crystaly Rodriguez will attend Mercy University. For her, nursing offers an opportunity to align her values of compassion and integrity with a profession that offers personal and professional fulfillment.