Culberson scholarship recipient plans future in nursing

May 30, 2025 -- Breeanna Hammond has always known she was meant to care for others. Whether managing her high school's football and wrestling teams or earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) designation through a healthcare education program, the Hagerstown High School senior has spent her teenage years preparing for a future in nursing.

Hammond was recently presented with the Culberson Family & Reid Health Scholarship during the Honors Program at Hagerstown High School. The award is a one-year scholarship of $1,000 to a graduating HHS student who intends to seek a degree or certificate in healthcare, emergency services, or mortuary science.

Hagerstown alumnus Ryan Williams, Reid's Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services, presented the Culberson scholarship to Hammond.

"I've always wanted to be in the medical field," Hammond said.

"Over the past few years, I've narrowed my passion to nursing. I'm excited to begin my journey at Ivy Tech and work toward a future where I can make a difference in people's lives." -- Breeanna Hammond, recipient of the Culberson Family & Reid Health Scholarship

During high school, Hammond gained valuable healthcare experience through Ivy Tech's health science education program. Her parents are Joshua and Amanda Hammond.

In addition to her CNA, she earned certifications in infection control and dementia training. She also completed dual credits in both healthcare and general education courses through a Healthcare Academy at Ivy Tech in summer 2024.

The scholarship carries the name of the family that operated Culberson Ambulance Service in the Hagerstown area for more than 50 years. Service transitioned to Reid Health EMS at the beginning of 2022 after the retirement of owner Rick Culberson.

Reid officials worked with the Wayne County Foundation to establish the endowed scholarship in honor of Culberson and his family's dedication to the community. The scholarship was first awarded in 2022.