Contact: Eron Shosteck
Phone: 202-218-7220
WASHINGTON -- The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) today announced that the highest number of students in its history -- 19 -- will each be receiving $2,500 scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year, making the $47,500 total distributed for the upcoming year a record annual sum awarded in the Foundation’s 13-year history.
“We are proud that the generous support of ABA Foundation donors throughout each segment of the motorcoach, tour and travel industry has provided us with the historic opportunity to help 19 students pursue their university coursework,” said ABA Foundation Board of Governors Chairman Doug Anderson. “We're proud to have so many who have played an integral role in the Foundation to help it blossom into an institution that has provided more than $350,000 worth of scholarships to 140 deserving scholars over its history.”
“The ABA Foundation scholarship program enables ABA members and the general public to work towards degrees that support the motorcoach, group travel and tour industries, as well as promote academic excellence and diversity,” said ABA Foundation President Peter J. Pantuso. “The Foundation scholarships are an integral part of creating the future of our industry by nurturing and encouraging the next generation of leaders.”
ABA Foundation Scholarships are designed to create opportunities for young people interested in pursuing careers in the motorcoach, tour and travel fields. The Foundation also sponsors groundbreaking research to show the value of the motorcoach community to society, including how its presence in so many communities across the country binds the nation together, promotes environmental travel, and infuses tourism dollars into the economy at every destination a group tour visits via motorcoach.
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) is a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on scholarships, research, technology, and continuing education. Created in 1997, the Foundation administers the George T. Snyder Jr. Scholarship Program, named in honor of the former ABA president who had a lifelong interest in helping others achieve advancement opportunities through education.
The recipients of the 2009-2010 scholarships winners are (by category):
Operators:
Tracey Stabile of DATTCO, Maura Fox of Fox Bus Lines Inc., Devin Altizer of Terry’s Tours, Melissa Metry of Olympia Trails-Coach USA, William Summerly of Mdt. Inc., Elizabeth Mlaker of Mlaker Transportation, and Britney Willis of Texoma Tours.
Members:
Melissa Dolly of Starr Transit Company Inc., Nicki Noble of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Kerianne Ketterer of Shoreway Acres Inn, Amanda Alt of Lodestar Bus Lines & Tours, Matthew Wywial of Coach Canada; and Holly Zeszutco of ABC Companies Inc.
Academic:
Amy Gilkerson of Jefferson Ohio and Mary Gibson of Strykersville, New York.
Diversity:
Natasha Kramer of Minneapolis and Erica Mesker of San Diego.
Peter L. Picknelly:
Sean Burris of Kannapolis, North Carolina, American Charters/Coach America.
Ron Cornell Memorial:
Jason McLean of Ocoee, Florida, American Coachline of Orlando