Mary Jolly’s legacy lives on through new scholarship for future paramedics and EMTs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – When Mary Jolly saw someone in need, she stopped to help. Now, through a scholarship established in her memory, her family is helping future EMTs and paramedics answer that same call to serve. 

Established in honor of Mary, a 2019 Central Piedmont graduate, the Jolly Good Samaritan Endowed Scholarship will support students pursuing careers in emergency medical services while carrying forward her legacy of compassion and service.

A paramedic with Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), Mary’s commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional responsibilities. In November 2025, Mary lost her life after stopping to assist a driver who had been involved in a crash on Interstate 95 while she was traveling home from a vacation. She was struck while rendering aid to the motorist, reflecting the selfless service that defined both her career and character.

Known for her compassion, professionalism and dedication to protecting others, she served on the department’s swift water rescue team and received numerous recognitions throughout her career, including B-Shift Outstanding Paramedic in 2023 and B-Shift Excellence in Operational Readiness in 2025. In 2026, she was posthumously awarded the Gaston County Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, which will be renamed the Mary Jolly Distinguished Service Award.

The endowed scholarship will support students enrolled in Central Piedmont’s eligible Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Science and Paramedic programs. The scholarship provides assistance for tuition, books and required fees, helping remove financial barriers for students preparing for careers in emergency medical services.

"Mary Jolly dedicated her life to helping others, and this scholarship ensures her legacy of service will continue for generations to come," said Vanessa Stolen, associate vice president of institutional advancement at Central Piedmont. "Through the generosity of Mary's family, students pursuing careers in emergency medical services will receive the support they need to complete their education and answer the same call to serve their communities that inspired Mary throughout her life. We are honored to help carry forward her extraordinary example of compassion, courage and selflessness." 

The scholarship reflects Central Piedmont's ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare and public safety professionals while honoring an individual whose life exemplified service to others.