Hayhurst Law PLLC has named Ashley Yoho the recipient of its 2026 Hayhurst Scholarship, an award designed to support students who exhibit perseverance, leadership, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Yoho, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology student at West Liberty University and a Supervised Psychologist Student Intern, was chosen for her powerful personal story, academic achievements, and long-term commitment to helping others.
Yoho plans to use the scholarship funds to help cover the cost of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, a critical step toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Her ultimate goal is to provide compassionate clinical care to individuals in her community, helping them find healing, strength, and stability. 'Receiving the Hayhurst Scholarship is both an honor and a profound affirmation of my personal, educational, and professional journey,' Yoho said. 'Without personal resilience, and a great deal of grit, I could have easily allowed my experienced trauma to define me. Instead, I made the conscious decision to let it fuel my determination.'
The scholarship reflects the values of Hayhurst Law PLLC, a Morgantown-based personal injury firm founded by attorney Eric Hayhurst. Hayhurst, a native West Virginian raised by blue-collar parents, established the firm to represent individuals who have been hurt by negligence, drawing on his own upbringing in a small town. 'Championing higher education and recognizing students who demonstrate resilience and a greater purpose is one way the firm strives to give back,' a spokesperson said. According to the firm's website, the scholarship was created to honor students like Yoho, whose story embodies the perseverance and dedication the award was designed to recognize.
Ashley Yoho's selection as the 2026 Hayhurst Scholarship winner underscores the importance of investing in future mental health professionals, particularly those who have overcome significant personal challenges. The announcement reinforces the firm's broader commitment to supporting their fellow West Virginians, as detailed on their site at Hayhurst Law PLLC. By easing the financial burden of professional licensing exams, the scholarship enables students like Yoho to focus on their clinical training and eventual service to the community.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond Yoho's individual success. It highlights the critical role that scholarships play in addressing the shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas like West Virginia. According to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration, many regions in the state face significant provider shortages in psychology and counseling. By supporting students on the path to licensure, programs like the Hayhurst Scholarship help build a pipeline of qualified clinicians who can serve vulnerable populations. Yoho's story of resilience also serves as an inspiration for other students facing adversity, demonstrating that personal challenges can be transformed into fuel for professional dedication. The firm's investment in education and community well-being, as outlined in their scholarship announcement at Hayhurst Scholarship, sets an example for other organizations to follow.
