NFIB

East Stroudsburg Student Mark Peters Earns NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars Award
05/26/2004

Peters Becomes Second Student to Earn Scholarship Sponsored in Memory of Blakeslee Family Business Leaders

PENNSYLVANIA -- Pennsylvania's largest small business advocacy group, NFIB, today delivered a helping hand to East Stroudsburg High School senior Mark Peters, who plans to attend Temple University this fall. During an awards ceremony held this morning, NFIB's state Leadership Council Chairman Mark Sincavage presented Peters with the NFIB/Thomas and Fay Sincavage Free Enterprise Scholars Award, a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by NFIB Education Foundation for Monroe County students who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative.

"My parents were active small-business owners here in Monroe County and this scholarship will be a continuation of their dedication to the community," said Sincavage, a Blakeslee small-business owner who funded the scholarship in his parents' names. "Having been raised here by two parents who cared so much about where they lived, I wanted to find a way to give back to this area."

Peters becomes the second Monroe County student in as many years to earn a scholarship sponsored in memory of the Blakeslee family business leaders. The $1,000 non-renewable scholarship may be used to attend any accredited two- or four-year university/college, community college or vocational/technical institute.

"We're pleased that we can provide help to so many students this year, thanks to sponsors who understand the important role small business plays in our economy," said Don V. Cogman, Chair, NFIB Education Foundation. "We were overwhelmed with outstanding candidates this year, many of whom already own and operate their own business. We hope this award continues to foster their entrepreneurial dreams and we congratulate them for their achievements."

The NFIB Education Foundation Scholars program made its debut in 2003 when it awarded a total of 110 scholarships nationwide. This year the NFIB Education Foundation is awarding a total of 221 scholarships. Twelve of the 2004 Scholars are from Pennsylvania. Since 2003, NFIB Education Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 in awards to students graduating from high schools across the nation.

CONTACT: Kevin Shivers 717.232.8582
or Michelle Dimarob 202.554.9000