For the 10th year, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to members and/or their children to assist in their post-high school education, to demonstrate that education is a top priority for the company. Since the college scholarship program began, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has dedicated more than $160,000 to helping its members continue their education. This year, 32 selected students each received $500 to use at the school of their choice.
“Education is a key to success; and we want all our members to be successful. We couldn’t be happier when members use the educational opportunities available to them, whether it’s through our own training programs or something outside of our group,” said Steve Marks, senior vice president of marketing/advertising for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. “Plus, we know how costly higher education can be and we’re pleased to be able to help our members by paying a small portion of their education expenses.”
According to recently released reports from the College Board, most students can expect to pay, on average, from $112 to $1,190 more than last year for this year’s tuition and fees. Tuition at a four-year public college increased 7.1 percent, with costs now averaging $5,491 per year. Four-year private college tuition costs have increased 5.9 percent for an average of $21,235 per year.
“Each year we look forward to awarding these scholarships. We are so very proud of these students for taking the initiative and making the commitment to continue their education,” said Marks.
Students seeking a scholarship were required to write a 200-word essay on “What I hope to accomplish through my post high school graduation.” “We received great entries. It was very difficult to judge,” said Marks. Applicants must have completed high school to be considered for the $500 scholarship, which will be paid to the recipient’s trade school, college or university of choice for the fall 2006 semester.
The 2006 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper college scholarship recipients are:
Parts Store Recipients:
Erin Bruneau, Mainline Fleet Service
Kayleigh Roever, Bumper to Bumper
Stacie Trepanier, Bumper to Bumper
Chelsea Marie Nelson, Auto Value
Garrett S. Tetrick, Auto Value
Aitkin Brad Irimata, Standard Motors & Marine Supplies
Lacey Marie Barrington, B&T Battery and Auto Parts
Andrew Miller, Eastern Auto Parts
Austin M. Hills, Burlington Auto Supply
John Mann, Arnold Motor Supply
Benjamin Jose Montoya, K&H Auto Supply
Matthew R. McCoy, J.C. Auto Value
Richard Thurman Stroud, Woodrow Jones Parts
Rebecca Street, Pioneer Parts Plus
Velma DeFee, Stover Auto Supply
Brandon Scott Baker, Quality Automotive
Certified Service Center Recipients:
Abby Wohlfert, Kalamazoo Automotive
Elizabeth Wozniak, Quality Repair
Jessica Greenfield, E&K Auto Repair
Kelsey Boeckman, Sartell Auto Service
Brina Splingaire, Jeff’s Auto & Truck Repair
Robert Edward Tolzien, Tolzien’s Auto Service
Heather Gregory, H&S Auto Service
Whitney Smith, Kerry’s Auto Repair
Charles Kirschner, Red Top Auto Services
Maureen Alvarado, A+ Smog & Muffler
Vanessa Brewer, Etscorns Marathon
Nicholas Cox, Key Automotive-Hugo Bumper to Bumper
Caitlin Connolly, Kunkels Service
Stephanie Lenhart, Lenhart’s Service Center
Justin Zaccanti, J&B Automotive
Cody James Grimm, Grimm’s Service