The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Women’s Opportunity Fund – Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Waggoner and Sarah Nichols. This annual scholarship honors the legacy of Linda H. Culp by supporting the educational advancement of women already in the workforce who are working to enhance their careers.
“These recipients embody the spirit of the scholarship—resilient, determined, and committed to building stronger futures for themselves and their families,” said Jennifer Randolph, PACF Scholarship Officer. “We are honored to help support their journeys.”
Jessica Waggoner is currently enrolled in WVUP’s Registered Nursing (RN) program while working part-time at Camden Clark Medical Center. A devoted mother of two teenage sons and a first-generation college student, Jessica decided to earn her degree after more than a decade as a stay-at-home mom and a prior career in medical coding.
“When I decided to go to college after decades of self-employment, I wondered if I could keep up,” said Waggoner. “Thanks to this scholarship, I can finish my final semester without worrying about student loans or credit debt. I’m teaching my sons that hard work and perseverance truly pay off.”
Jessica maintains a 3.5 GPA and is deeply committed to giving back to her community through nursing.
Sarah Nichols is pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to graduate in August 2026. She is passionate about serving others and looks forward to beginning her career in a medical-surgical unit, ultimately hoping to specialize in wound care and hyperbaric chamber therapy.
“This scholarship has relieved financial stress and allowed me to focus fully on my studies,” said Nichols. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support, and I look forward to giving back to my community through compassionate, skilled nursing care.”
The Women’s Opportunity Fund – Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to working women residing in select counties in West Virginia and Ohio. It is not intended for recent high school graduates but rather for those who are already in the workforce and seeking to advance their careers through education and training.
The PACF is proud to continue Linda H. Culp’s legacy by investing in the growth and development of local women who are making meaningful strides toward stronger futures—for themselves, their families, and their communities.
