Culberson scholarship winner knows ‘what a good nurse can do for people and families’

June 2, 2023 -- Jenna Smith has known since she was 12 years old what she wanted to do for a career.

The Hagerstown High School senior plans to attend IUPUI in the fall to study nursing with the intention to become a neonatal nurse after earning her degree.

Smith got a boost toward making that dream a reality on Thursday night when she was presented with the Culberson Family & Reid Health Scholarship during Hagerstown High School's Honors Program. 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 alum Ryan Williams, Reid Health's Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services, was on hand to make the presentation to Smith.

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. It was first awarded last year.

Smith is a member of the National Honor Society and the Health Occupation Students of America and was a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country, swimming, and track and field. Last summer, she volunteered at Reid's Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Camp for children. She is the daughter of Joey and Megan Smith.

In her application essay, Smith said her "main priority in life is to make an impact" and she knows "what a good nurse can do for people and families."

"We're proud to help the next generation of nurses and EMTs pursue careers in healthcare and honor the legacy of the Culberson family at the same time," said Craig Kinyon, Reid Health President/CEO. "We wish Jenna all the best in her studies at IUPUI and beyond."