NFIB

NFIB Education Foundation Names 12 Free Enterprise Scholars in Pennsylvania
05/26/2004

Graduating High School Seniors Each Receive $1,000 for College

PENNSYLVANIA -- The NFIB Education Foundation today announced the Pennsylvania recipients of the second annual NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars Awards, a scholarship program to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. The NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars will attend the university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Education Foundation.

The 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, thanks to additional financial support from numerous small-business leaders and corporate and foundation supporters. Major corporate sponsors include Visa USA, which donated $100,000 to the national program, as well as Dell and MBNA.

"We're pleased that we can provide help to so many students this year, thanks to additional sponsors who understand the important role small business plays in our economy," said Don V. Cogman, Chairman, 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."

NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars

Ashli Care from Oley Valley High School in Oley, nominated by NFIB member Thomas Musser.

Zhaolun (Alan) Meng from B. Reed Henderson High School in West Chester, nominated by NFIB member Thomas Musser.

NFIB/Visa USA Free Enterprise Scholars

Bradley Eck from Loyalsock Twp Sr. High School in Williamsport, nominated by NFIB member Garth Eck.

Gregory Kester from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, nominated by NFIB member Randall Emmons.

Emily MacPhail from North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, nominated by NFIB member Davis Cranston, Jr.

The NFIB/Jim and Mim Herr Free Enterprise Scholars Award
Jim Herr, founder of Herr's Foods, Inc. and past national chairman of NFIB, and his wife, Mim, sponsor this award.

Dimitry Cohen from Central High School in Philadelphia nominated by NFIB member Jack Gallagher.

Laura Diana from Hazleton Area High School in Hazleton, nominated by NFIB member John Gallagher.

Lauren Waltz from Mechanicsburg Area High School in Mechanicsburg, nominated by NFIB member Judith Walter.

Marlin Weaver from Manheim Twp High School in Lancaster, nominated by NFIB member Thomas Musser.

Brandon Wolff from Council Rock High School North in Newtown, nominated by NFIB member Thomas Musser.

The NFIB/Stephen S. Stack Free Enterprise Scholars Award
This award is sponsored by NFIB member Steve Stack, owner of Seamcraft, Inc. in Chicago, Ill. for a student from his alma mater, Cathedral Preparatory High School in Erie.

Patrick Smith from Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, nominated by NFIB member Bruce Hottle.

The NFIB/Thomas and Fay Sincavage Free Enterprise Scholars Award
NFIB member Mark Sincavage, owner of Sincavage Corporation in Blakeslee, sponsors this award in honor of his parents, Thomas and Fay Sincavage.

Mark Peters from E. Stroudsburg Sr. High School in E. Stroudsburg, nominated by NFIB member Mark Sincavage.

To earn a scholarship, students were asked to demonstrate their entrepreneurial achievement by answering a short, personal question defining their efforts. Each applicant also composed an essay about the importance of free enterprise. Standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank were also considered. All applicants for the Free Enterprise Scholars Award must be nominated by NFIB members around the country.

"Small business is the foundation of a strong and viable economy, and this award is designed to salute those who are already creating jobs, as well as encourage the next generation of small-business owners," Cogman concluded.

CONTACT: Michelle N. Dimarob 202.554.9000