Hill College nursing student receives prestigious Lindsey Horton Memorial Scholarship

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Monday, September 22, 2025 8:47 AM
  Academics

Hillsboro, TX

Earlier this month, on September 10, 2025, Hill College vocational nursing student Stephanie Lindeman received the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) Lindsey Horton Memorial Scholarship in Austin, Texas.

“I am deeply honored to be one of only 10 recipients out of over 70 applicants to receive this award,” said Lindeman.

TORCH is a Texas-based organization that provides advocacy to elected officials and governmental/regulatory entities on rural and community health issues; develops programs, education, activities, and services for rural and community hospitals; and supports local access and delivery of healthcare services to community residents in rural areas in Texas.

Horton was a registered nurse at the Permian Regional Medical Center in Andrews, Texas, who died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest. After her death, there was a tremendous outpouring of love and support from residents and businesses in the area. Together, the Horton family and the community established the Lindsey Horton Memorial Scholarship Fund to carry on her legacy of care and service by providing financial support to others pursuing nursing and healthcare careers.

“Being chosen for this award is not only a blessing, but a profound inspiration," said Lindeman. “One of the most meaningful moments that will forever stay with me was when Lindsey’s father, Jim Horton, shook my hand and told me that I was an inspiration to him. His words deeply moved me and reminded me that nursing is not just a career, it is a calling to live with compassion, dedication, and service, just as Lindsey did during her life.”

Lindeman is in her final semester in the Vocational Nursing Program at Hill College and is scheduled to graduate this December. She currently works at Hill Regional Hospital in Hillsboro, Texas, as a telemetry technician. Stephanie plans to start her associate degree in nursing (ADN) at Hill College in June of 2026.

“I will carry Lindsey’s memory with me throughout my journey as a nurse and will strive to honor her legacy in the way I care for my patients and my community. I am truly grateful to TORCH and to the Horton family for their generosity and for allowing Lindsey’s light to continue shining through this scholarship,” said Lindeman.

“We are so proud of Stephanie for being selected as a (TORCH) Lindsey Horton Memorial Scholarship recipient. This is a prestigious honor that recognizes her hard work, compassion, and dedication to nursing. As she enters her final semester of the Vocational Nursing Program, this award reflects the excellence we see in her every day and the bright future she has ahead in healthcare,” said Vocational Nursing Director & Coordinator Hailey Kirkpatrick.