Josephine Kulpa, a senior at Wheeling Park High School, has been awarded a $2,500 per year Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarship to Davis & Elkins College for a total of $10,000 over four years.
Davis & Elkins, Citizens Bank of West Virginia and WDTV partnered to offer the unique scholarship competition. All 2022 West Virginia high school graduates, whether attending a public, private or homeschool, with a 3.25 or higher GPA were eligible to apply. Impressed with the high caliber of applicants, College officials decided to offer multiple scholarships in addition to the selection of one student who received a full, four-year scholarship.
Applicants were required to submit a list of high school and community activities, along with an essay based on the topic, “If you receive this scholarship, how will you pay it forward to the state of West Virginia?”
Kulpa is the daughter of Marga Kulpa of Wheeling and Robert Kulpa Jr. of Pataskala, Ohio. At Wheeling Park High School, Kulpa serves as a freshman mentor and Regional Environmental Action Program counselor. She is a member of Drug Free Clubs of America, Key Club and Young Life. Athletically, she is a three-year member of the Patriots soccer team and a member of TWBAI and Soccer Pep Club. Outside of school, she volunteers with the youth group at St. Michael Parish School.
At Davis & Elkins College, Kulpa plans to major in nursing.
“I am only one person, but I have learned throughout my life one person can make a difference,” Kulpa wrote. “One person can inspire others to follow and help and aid when needed.”
Davis & Elkins College offers more than 45 academic programs. Multiple scholarship opportunities are available including the College’s annual $5.4 million investment in West Virginia students. For additional information, call 304-637-1230 or visit www.dewv.edu/admissions.
Josephine Kulpa
