2/24/2026
Six area high school seniors were honored with scholarships totaling $10,500, as part of the 2026 ‘Women with Heart’ scholarship contest during a ceremony held Wednesday at the CHRISTUS Health Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital.
Students were tasked with creating and submitting a video focused on American Heart Month to build awareness of heart disease, specifically for women. Videos were judged on creativity, messaging, and community vote.
Ellie King, a senior at Wills Point High School, was named the winner, earning the $5,000 grand prize.
“It was really amazing to learn about heart health, especially in women,” King said. “Doing my own video and even watching the other videos, it was amazing to learn new things and to see how everyone used their creativity to emphasize the message of women’s heart health.”
King’s video portrayed herself as a podcast host, asking questions to guests about women’s heart health. Her video was among nearly 70 that were submitted by students across the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System region.
Caleb Roseman from Legacy High School finished second, and Arleth Mata from Early College High School took third place. They will receive $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, for their efforts.
The remaining finalists: Kelly Black, Alba-Golden’s Kenzie Hartsell and Whitehouse’s Preston Blakeley each received $500.
“We wanted the students to learn about heart health and specifically the impact heart disease has on women,” said Jamie Moore, clinical director of cardiovascular services for CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and North Louisiana. “They all had such great submissions that showed they took the time to learn about heart disease and hopefully gained some valuable knowledge.”
King, who volunteers at CHRISTUS Health in Canton through a medical assistant program, says she will attend UT-Tyler and begin nursing school next January.
“This entire contest has been amazing, and I have learned so many things that I probably would not have known about otherwise,” she said. “I am so thankful to CHRISTUS for giving me and all of us this opportunity; it has been a lot of fun.”
