Linda Culp Memorial Scholarship awards announced at Women in Leadership Conference
Linda Culp Memorial Scholarship recipient Mary Kate Lawless, center, is pictured with Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarship Officer Jennifer Randolph, left, and Executive Director Amy Nahley outside the foundation offices in Parkersburg. (Photo provided)
Linda Culp Memorial Scholarship recipient Jessica Waggoner, center, is pictured with Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarship Officer Jennifer Randolph, left, and Office Manager Emily Wigal at the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s annual Women in Leadership Conference. (Photo provided)
Linda Culp Memorial Scholarship recipient Mary Kate Lawless, center, is pictured with Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarship Officer Jennifer Randolph, left, and Executive Director Amy Nahley outside the foundation offices in Parkersburg. (Photo provided)
Linda Culp Memorial Scholarship recipient Jessica Waggoner, center, is pictured with Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarship Officer Jennifer Randolph, left, and Office Manager Emily Wigal at the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s annual Women in Leadership Conference. (Photo provided)
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PARKERSBURG - A WVUP nursing student and a speech-language pathologist and Army Reservist are the latest recipients of the Woman's Opportunity Fund Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship.
According to a release from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the scholarship is awarded annually to working women living in select counties in West Virginia and Ohio who are pursuing education or training to advance their careers. The scholarship is designed to support women already in the workforce, rather than recent high school graduates.
Jessica Waggoner was selected as a scholarship recipient for the second consecutive year. She is enrolled in the registered nursing program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg while working part-time at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center. She also serves as a tutor at the college.
After completing her RN program, Waggoner plans to continue her education by earning a bachelor of science in nursing.
"I believe that healthcare is a continuous and rewarding career with no limits," she said. "I am excited for the journey ahead and confident that my education and experiences will prepare me to make a positive and lasting impact in healthcare."
Recipient Mary Kate Lawless is a speech-language pathologist at Camden Clark and an officer in the United States Army Reserve. She is pursuing a physician assistant degree at Marietta College.
"Ultimately, my goal is to practice as a physician assistant in Parkersburg, where I can improve access to care -- particularly in ENT-related services -- and contribute meaningfully to the health of the community I already serve," she said.
Waggoner and Lawless were recognized recently during the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley's annual Women in Leadership Conference.
"We get to celebrate women who have made the courageous decision to invest in themselves and their futures," said Jennifer Randolph, PACF's scholarship officer. "Recognizing Jessica and Mary Kate at the Women in Leadership Conference made the moment even more meaningful. Being surrounded by so many accomplished female leaders served as a powerful reminder of what's possible when women support and inspire one another."
The Women's Opportunity Fund - Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship has benefitted more than 70 local women over more than two decades.