SCC Health Sciences Student of the Year awarded to Ashlee Simpson

Published on Jun 6, 2025

Ashlee Simpson, a recent graduate of the Somerset Community College (SCC) Radiography Program, has been honored as the recipient of the SCC Health Sciences Division’s prestigious Student of the Year award for 2025. This notable recognition comes with a stipend of $500.

Before pursuing her passion for radiography at SCC, Simpson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Midway University. Her journey is one of resilience and achievement; she is a proud recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, an honor given to exceptional leaders who have overcome adversity. Simpson’s distinct background includes being homeschooled through eighth grade and living in eighteen different states. She is a passionate advocate for domestic violence victims, dedicating her time to support and empower those in need.

During her time at SCC, Simpson distinguished herself as an outstanding student, consistently earning a spot on the President’s List and being named the Health Sciences Division’s Student of the Month for November. Her exemplary leadership was recognized at SCC’s Honors Night, and she was selected to serve as a national student leader by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in 2025.

Simpson’s commitment to community service is commendable. She has volunteered with several meaningful organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, and has provided mentorship to teenage girls facing domestic violence. Additionally, she has assisted flood victims in Kentucky and Virginia. In a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, Cinda Hagy, she established a memorial scholarship for radiography students, a project they had envisaged together.

“I felt it was essential to keep that pursuit alive,” Simpson shared. “I aimed to be actively involved at SCC and create opportunities for future students. It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized for my efforts.”

Her nomination for the prestigious Student of the Year award came from Program Director Randall Hammock and Director of Clinical Education Shanda Catron. After graduation, Simpson will take on the role of Registered Radiologist Assistant at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, drawing inspiration from her father, Jeremy Simpson of Somerset, who also pursued a career in radiography, and her grandmother, Cinda Hagy of Grundy, Virginia, who played a crucial role in making her education at SCC possible.

“There are so many opportunities in radiography beyond just x-rays. I am proud to contribute to our community by fostering more radiography professionals through this scholarship in memory of my grandma,” said Simpson.

For more information about the Radiography Program, please contact the program director at randall.hammock@kctcs.edu.