Michelin, TIA name 2013 scholarship winners

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Nov. 1, 2013) — Michelin North America and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have selected three students, two of whom are daughters of TIA member company personnel and one who worked for a TIA member company, to receive academic scholarships totaling $6,250.

This is the 13th year of the Michelin/TIA Scholarship Award program.

Michelin and TIA award scholarships annually to part-time employees or dependent children of full-time employees of TIA member tire dealers. Since inception, the program has awarded more than $250,000 to 46 recipients who have gone on to attend accredited two-year, four-year, technical or vocational schools.

Once awarded, the recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three more years.

This year's recipients are Karli Gajdostik of Toledo, Ohio, Hannah Gipson of Prattville, Ala., and Lauren Tucker of Lakewood, Calif. Each winner cited the importance of this scholarship in helping to cover the costs of her continued education.

The recipients will be recognized at this year's Tire Industry Honors Awards Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 4 in Las Vegas and the Global Tire Expo.

Ms. Gajdostik is a recent graduate Central Catholic High School in Toledo. She worked for Shrader Tire & Oil in Toledo throughout high school, while also maintaining a challenging course load and involvement in extracurricular and service activities. She is attending Kent State University and planning a career in fashion design.

Ms. Gipson is co-captain of the speech and debate team and a varsity cheerleader at Prattville Christian Academy. Gipson is the daughter of Alta and Hannibal Gipson of Gipson's Auto & Tire. She is pursuing a degree in elementary education at Auburn University.

Ms. Tucker is a two-time volleyball captain and honor roll graduate from Fountain Valley High School. She is the daughter of Patrick Tucker of Allen Tire Co. She plans to study kinesiology at Irvine Valley College and hopes to become a professional baseball trainer or scout, a passion she developed while serving as an athletic trainer at her high school.

"TIA is glad to work alongside Michelin to sponsor these scholarships," said TIA Eexecutive Vice President Roy Littlefield. "We are honored to be able to recognize the achievements of these fine young individuals in front of hundreds of members of our industry at our Tire Industry Honors Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas."