MRA scholarships go to twenty-five studentsSelected from among a record 348 applicants, 25 Michigan students will head to college this fall with a total of $23,000 in financial assistance from the Michigan Retailers Association. They’ll each receive a scholarship funded by the Michigan Retailers Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization established by MRA. The awards are designed to benefit MRA members and their employees and families. Twenty-one will receive $1,000 for one year at a public or private college or university and four will receive $500 for one year at a community college. “The record number of applicants is evidence of the high value our members place on the program,” said James P. Hallan, president and chief operating officer. “Considering the strong demand, we’re excited that foundation assets continue to grow through the generous donations of members.” This year’s competition follows the largest fundraising drive in the history of the foundation. It raised more than $565,000 through its “Links to a Legacy” campaign, pushing the foundation’s assets over $1 million in order to increase the number and size of college scholarships awarded annually. Interest earnings on foundation assets pay for the scholarships. MRA’s scholarship program is managed by Scholarship Program Administrators, Inc., in Nashville, Tennessee. A panel of educators selects the recipients based on above-average academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, which can include part-time employment. Financial need is not a consideration. The following students are MRA scholarship recipients for the 2006-07 school year (photos of recipients will appear in the June issue of the Retailer): Sarah Barbuscak, Berkeley |