Culberson scholarship recipient plans future as a forensic pathologist

Despite facing personal challenges throughout her childhood and teenage years, Sophia “Sophie” Senese is moving toward a future centered on resilience, service, and personal growth.

Senese 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 $1,300 to a graduating HHS student who intends to seek a degree or certificate in healthcare, emergency services, or mortuary science.

Brian Schleeper, Director of Nonprofit Engagement for the Wayne County Foundation, presented the Culberson scholarship to Senese.

The Hagerstown resident plans to attend Purdue University to study biological and biomedical sciences with a concentration in biochemistry before pursuing medical school and a career in forensic pathology. She also hopes to earn her nail technician license while in college and volunteer with animal shelters because of her passion for helping animals.

Senese credits her family for shaping her determination and outlook on life. Inspired by her mother’s dedication to Ironman triathlons and her father’s perseverance through difficult times, she said those examples helped her learn discipline, resilience, and the importance of continuing forward as she navigated through personal struggles and challenges.

“I come from a family of love and dedication,” Senese said.

“My family has taught me to be independent, disciplined, and to follow my heart. They’ve helped me learn more about myself and shown me how to strive for my goals.”

During high school, Senese participated in extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, cheerleading, volleyball, swimming and diving, dance, Academic Team, Tiger Ambassadors, and volunteer activities supporting school and community events. She also worked for All Pest Exterminating.

Of her many activities, dance has had the greatest impact on her life.

“Dance has given me the determination and confidence I have today,” Senese said.

“It’s taught me to never give up on my passions. I’ve discovered more about myself through the expression of dance, allowing my creativity to shine through movement.”

Senese said one of her biggest personal goals is to become more confident and independent while continuing to discover her identity and future path.

A career in forensic pathology is one that naturally fits her abilities in math and science, and she’d like a career she’ll truly enjoy.

“I’ve always been fascinated by discovering the reasons behind events,” Senese said.

“Becoming a forensic pathologist will allow me to have a career that’s challenging, hands-on, and uncover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of various situations.”

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.