Frye Regional Medical Center Celebrates Q1 STAR Award Honorees

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, proudly recognizes its first-quarter 2026 STAR (Shining Through Acts or Resilience) Award honorees, celebrating certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and unit secretaries who consistently demonstrate compassion, perseverance and excellence in patient care.

The STAR Award was created by Frye Regional to honor team members whose dedication and resilience play a vital role in supporting patients, families and care teams. These individuals exemplify empathy, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to ensuring patients feel safe, supported and cared for throughout their hospital experience.

This quarter, Frye Regional recognizes three CNAs and unit secretaries for their outstanding contributions to patient care: Laura Ugarte Orellana, Mikayla Ray and Jessica Clark.

“Certified nursing assistants and unit secretaries are often the steady presence patients rely on the most,” said Bridget Denzik, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Frye Regional Medical Center. “Their compassion, resilience and attention to detail make a meaningful difference during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient’s journey. The STAR Award allows us to shine a light on the extraordinary impact they make every day.”

Each nomination reflects the exceptional dedication these team members bring to their roles:

Laura Ugarte Orellana, CNA, Catawba County resident, received Frye Regional’s January STAR Award in recognition of the compassion, reliability and quiet leadership demonstrated through daily interactions with patients and care teams. A trusted and dedicated caregiver, Orellana consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel valued, respected and comfortable. She supports nursing staff by anticipating needs, streamlining workflows and advocating for patients to receive timely care. Colleagues frequently commend her calm, caring presence, while patients regularly express appreciation for the warmth and reassurance she brings to their experience. Laura models professionalism, positivity and teamwork, making a meaningful difference every day.

Mikayla Ray, CNA, Buncombe County resident, was named the February STAR Award honoree for consistently rising to the moment, bringing empathy, strength and steady support to patients during challenging circumstances. She is recognized for consistently rising to the moment with courage, empathy and decisive action. While escorting a patient from the CT department, Mikayla noticed a visitor walking down the hallway with his shirt pocket on fire—unaware that his cell phone had ignited. She immediately acted, quickly containing and smothering the flames. Her swift response prevented serious injury and potentially saved the visitor’s life. The visitor’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude for her awareness and quick thinking. Mikayla’s actions exemplify the vigilance, compassion and commitment to safety that define Frye Regional’s STAR Award recipients.

Jessica Clark, CNA, Catawba County resident, was recognized as the March STAR Award recipient for creating a reassuring and respectful patient experience through attentiveness, compassion and teamwork. Clark exemplified compassion and dignity when caring for a patient at end of life. She spent hours gently detangling, washing and braiding the patient’s hair so she could feel like herself again. When the family arrived, their loved one looked peaceful, dignified and cared for with compassion. Her kindness and attention to detail made a meaningful difference during a deeply emotional time.

The STAR Award is presented monthly in front of the nurse’s family and colleagues. Each honoree receives a certificate of recognition, a STAR pin, a commemorative star statue and a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of their dedication and service. In addition, recipients receive chocolate chip cookies to share with their department and some to take home.

Frye Regional is proud to celebrate these CNAs and unit secretaries whose compassion, resilience and commitment to excellence reflect the organization’s mission of making communities healthier®.

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