Penn Highlands DuBois Welcomes First Baby of the New Year

On January 1, 2025, Penn Highlands Healthcare welcomed the first baby of the New Year born at Penn Highlands DuBois. Skylar Marie Hodgdon arrived at 12:32 AM weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. Skylar’s middle name was chosen in honor of her maternal grandmother, Alice Marie.

First-time parents Adia Fridley and Zach Hodgdon are elated to bring Skylar back to their hometown in Wilcox, Pennsylvania. Skylar was delivered by Dr. Steven L. Koch, MD, FACOG.

Adia and Zach are thankful for the care provided by the staff at Penn Highlands DuBois especially since Skylar has spent the few first days of her life in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

“The nurses are constantly coming to check on Adia and Skylar,” states proud new father Zach.

Both Zach and Adia agree that the staff at Penn Highlands DuBois has been incredibly helpful at answering any questions they have as new parents. “As a father in the delivery room, it is exciting and overwhelming all at once – especially when it comes to your emotions,” adds Zach.

Currently, Skylar is receiving care in the Penn Highlands DuBois NICU, where she will remain monitored until cleared to go home.