For the ninth year in a row, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to members and/or their children to assist in their post-high school education, demonstrating that education is a top priority with the aftermarket giant. Since the college scholarship program began, the Alliance has dedicated over $145,000 to helping their 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. We want each of our members to continue to learn, whether it’s through our HUB training program, the 2006 convention or through the college scholarship program,” said Steve Marks, senior vice president of marketing/advertising for the Alliance. “And paying for post-high school education can put a dent in anyone’s budget.”
According to College Board College tuition at a 4-year public institution increased 10.5 percent from last year, with costs averaging $5,132 per year. “Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance recognizes the need to assist families in continuing their education,” said Marks. “Plus, by supporting continuing education, we know it will ultimately provide for a more secure financial future for our members and their children.”
According to a recent report release by the U.S. Census Bureau workers 18 and over sporting bachelors degrees earn an average of $51,206 a year, while those with a high school diploma earn $27,915. Workers with an advanced degree make an average of $74,602, and those without a high school diploma average $18,734.
“Each year we look forward to awarding these scholarships. We are proud of the recipients for taking the initiative to continue their education,” said Marks.
The 2005 Alliance college scholarship recipients are:
Parts store recipients:
Courtney Klinger, Lehigh Auto Parts – Allentown
Cassandra J. Leach, Bumper to Bumper–Thief River Falls
Kaci Coleman, Powell Bumper to Bumper
Tara Aleese Helmer, Auto Value of Humphrey
Janae Marie Rasmussen, Red Lake Falls Auto Value
William Swift, ATI Parts
Chrisanne Feyjoo, Westchester Auto Parts
Samantha Kokonas, Bumper to Bumper – Lauderhill
Jean Dizmang, B&P Auto Parts Inc.
Jeffery David Parr, Jack’s Automotive LLC
Kristen Renee Achee, Achee’s Automotive Inc.
Kim Jass, Arnold Motor Supply – Garner
Elizabeth Joslin, Baldwin Bumper to Bumper
Kiel C. Briggs, Arnold Motors Supply – Grinnell
Myles Philip Shykes, Miller Mall Auto Parts/Moose Lake Paint
Caroline Chiasson, Chiasson Auto Parts
Certified Service Center recipients:
Julie Alt, C & M Auto Service
Amy Dambrosi, Joe & Son’s Service
Jacob H. Grimm, Grimm’s Service
Chad Silva, Mark’s Super Service Center
Dereck Allen Wonnacott, Soo Automotive
Brent Allen Broussard, Frank’s Auto Repair
Matthew J. Manicke, Manicke Service Station, Inc.
Dustin Eugene Shreve, J & B Auto
Paige Ogle, Ogle’s Auto Center
Holly Tacheny, Autotronics
Krista Joanne Isley, Cliff’s Repair Shop
Christopher R. Manna, MB Automotive, Inc.
Krissy Kilbourn, 4th Street Auto Care
Omar G. McLeish, Maurice’s Auto Repair & Towing
Lee A Weingarten, Almar Auto Repair
Chris Geropoulos, Ted’s Auto Clinic
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 directly to the recipient’s trade school, college or university of choice for the Fall 2005 or Spring 2006 semesters.