The I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc. and the Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry, have awarded eight young women with scholarships to assist in their education in the collision industry.
The top scholarship winner in the secondary category is Nina Hunter, a student at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Ariz. Hunter will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and career in the collision industry.
Neil Carroll, an instructor at East Valley Institute of Technology said, “Nina has had several challenges in her life. She is a Russian orphan and was adopted at seven years old. She has had to acclimate to several changes as well as learning a new language. It is exceptional to see any females succeed in our collision program due to the diverse ethnic and social structure of our students. [Nina] has learned to stand up for herself and is prepared to face the social challenges in the industry…I have been teaching for 17 years and can’t think of any student more deserving.”
The top scholarship winner in the post-secondary category is Bonnie Peterson, a student at Cypress College in Cypress, Calif. Peterson also will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education.
Dan Snook, an instructor at Cypress College said, “Bonnie has always strived to do her best in a male-dominated industry, completing assignments and given duties on or before due dates with great enthusiasm. A typical school day for Bonnie starts at 7:30 a.m. and finishes at 10 p.m. long after many other students have gone home.”
In addition to Hunter and Peterson, six runner-up scholarships were awarded to students from career and technical schools and colleges around the United States. Each of the runner-ups will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
Secondary winners include: Brittney Baker from Rolla Technical Institute in Rolla, Mo.; Tiffany Dunn from Orange/Ulster CTEC in Goshen, New York; and Tynika Howard from Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, Mich.
Post-secondary winners include: Jennifer Engelbrecht from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan.; Melissa Jamie Strong from Aims Community College in Greeley, Colo.; and Alicia Wade from Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill.
“Scholarships like AkzoNobel’s ‘Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry’ make a significant positive impact in the lives of students enrolled in a collision education program,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. “Students like the young women honored here are making a considerable commitment to their education and training – the I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to have partners like AkzoNobel who recognize their commitment and are willing to invest in their future.”
For more information, visit www.ed-foundation.org.
