Destiny Potter, a 2016 Lon Baudoux Legacy $2,000 Scholarship recipient, attended the recent I-CAR Volunteer & Instructor Conference in San Diego to highlight how much the financial support has assisted in her technical education. At the end of her presentation, Potter was surprised with the announcement that to recognize her continued efforts in gaining part-time industry employment while finishing her remaining year at Lincoln College of Technology in Indianapolis, her 2017 student debt would be “erased” through the Baudoux Legacy fund. In total, over $10,000 in student debt will be paid for Potter, who is on track to graduate from Lincoln Tech this October.
“Being on stage in front of hundreds of people and to talk about the Lon Baudox Scholarship I won in 2016 was tremendous enough,” said Potter, currently employed part-time with ABRA Auto Body & Glass. “But then for the Collision Repair Education Foundation to announce that they were paying my tuition just left me incredibly speechless. This means ‘no debt’ and ‘no stress.’ On a personal note, this also means that I am noticed, I am supported and I am believed in. Who knew that something like this would happen to me?”
Added Peterson Santos, regional vice president at ABRA Auto Body & Glass, “It’s incredible to see the real impact of the foundation in the lives of individual students. We are honored to have Ms. Potter on our team and are especially grateful for the mentorship ABRA team member Rebecca Stultz has provided her throughout her journey. Ms. Potter’s future is bright, and we are certain she will enjoy a long and successful career in the industry.”
The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship was created in memory of I-CAR Development Manager Lon Baudoux, who passed away in 2008. As Baudoux highly valued education and community service, this annual scholarship awards a high school senior who plans to continue their education in collision repair after graduation or a post-secondary student who will use the monies for education in collision repair.
Applicants must be actively involved in activities outside of school. Individuals can support this fund by texting “LonB” to 4-1444 to be provided a link to make a tax-deductible donation.
