Three high school seniors received the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarship from the medical staff at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.
Named in honor of Ethan Wilson, a dedicated firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department who unexpectantly passed away last year after a tragic surfing accident, each student receives $1,000 annually while enrolled in college.
“Ethan was a true hero through his work as a firefighter and first responder,” said Dr. Peter Riga, chief of medicine and medical director of the emergency department at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “His life was cut short, but he served with courage. He was a great servant leader, a father, son, husband, and friend. The goal with this scholarship is to honor a hero for his service to the community and to inspire these students, who are the caregivers of tomorrow.”
In February of 2023, Wilson was found unresponsive while surfing in New Smyrna Beach. He was treated in the emergency room and intensive care unit at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach but passed away days later at age 33. His family donated his organs, giving others a second chance at life.
Wilson’s wife, Ashley Wilson, and the couple’s young son Coast, who is now 18 months old, attended the ceremony, along with a number of Ethan’s firefighting colleagues and members of his AdventHealth care team.
“We are proud and grateful to have Ethan’s legacy honored every year in a scholarship that bears his name,” said Ashley.
“We hope that Ethan’s legacy becomes a shining example and inspires others to serve,” said Khelsea Bauer, chief operating officer at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “Through these scholarships provided by our medical staff, we are helping to develop the next group of heroes to serve our community.”
Ahmed Eldeeb
Ahmed Eldeeb is an 18-year-old Egyptian American youth activist, author and climate researcher. He is currently dual enrolled at Spruce Creek High School and Daytona State College where he has earned a 4.84 weighted GPA and is ranked 3/574 in his class.
Ahmed has applied to Stanford University, the University of Southern California, Harvard University and Brown University. While attending college, he plans on majoring in Environmental Health Science (Pre-Med Track) in hopes to become a physician focused on community-centered health care.
Ahmed’s passion stems from annual volunteer trips to a local hospital in his hometown of Banha, Egypt, a research project on Islamic communities suffering from substance abuse, and his family’s deep and longstanding history with cancer.
Madalyn Fischer-Carne
Madalyn Fischer-Carne is an 18-year-old Florida native dedicated to her studies, service to the community, and ambition to lead her peers. Madalyn is currently dual-enrolled at New Smyrna Beach High School and Daytona State College where she has earned a 4.62 weighted GPA and is ranked 8/460 in her class.
Madalyn has applied to the University of South Florida, Florida State University and the University of Central Florida. While attending college, she plans on majoring in Biology (Pre-Med Track) in hopes to become a physician focused on making a positive impact on patients and the community she serves.
Madalyn’s passion for saving and improving patients’ lives comes from her training in the Medical Academy, organizing blood drives through the Health Occupations Students of America organization, and an eye-opening moment when she was able to save the life of her friend's father by administering two rounds of CPR.
Kearstie Hayward
Kearstie Hayward is an 18-year-old Florida native with the determination and caring nature to become an outstanding health care professional. Kearstie is currently enrolled at New Smyrna Beach High School where she has earned a 3.84 weighted GPA and is ranked 155/460 in her class.
Kearstie has applied to Daytona State College. While attending college, she plans to receive her Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene in hopes to become a dental hygienist since oral health has always been one of her career interests.
Kearstie’s passion for helping others comes from her training in the Medical Academy, volunteering at Indian River Elementary to put on events for the school, and growing up watching her parents excel in their careers as medical professionals and first responders.
