Jacob Reed (Tennessee Tech University) and his father are joined by Nokian Tyres Senior Communications Manager Wes Boling (far left) and Dayton Factory Human Resources Manager Blake Markham (far right).
DAYTON, Tenn. — Sam Sosebee and Jacob Reed are the 2021 winners of the Nokian Tyres Scholarship, which rewards students in Rhea County, Tenn. who, like the tire maker, are passionate about STEM and sustainability.
Nokian's North American factory is located in Rhea County.
Nokian is providing each winner with $2,500 each in one-time scholarships as well as a set of tires to get them to college safely.
Mr. Sosebee plans to study mechanical engineering at Milligan University in Johnston City, Tenn., where he will run track and cross country.
"I've always liked working with my hands, looking at how things work and putting things together," Mr. Sosebee said. "Nokian Tyres is a company I've been interested in. It's a great company that has been supporting local events and businesses, and I think that's awesome."
He said he is committed to his studies and his sports, as well as to sustainability, a core value of Nokian Tyres.
"That's the future my kids are gonna live in," he said. "That's why it's important to me, and that's why it should be important to everyone."
Mr. Reed loves science, whether in his biology studies or in car racing.
"I've always had an interest in vehicles — with racing, I know how important tires are," Reed said. "When Nokian Tyres opened its factory here, I thought it was interesting. It's cool that I was able to use my hobby to further my education."
Mr. Reed plans to study biology at Tennessee Tech University, focusing on health science. He said he recognizes the importance of environmentally friendly practices.
"It's a major issue above all others, because without a world to live on, there's not much else we can do," Reed said. "I like how electric vehicles can help with that."
Dayton Factory Human Resources Manager Blake Markham said the company appreciates the students' "intelligence, values and hard work, and we're honored to support their college journey and help them get to school safely. Nokian Tyres continues to be an advocate for safety, sustainability and education in Southeast Tennessee and beyond."
Nokian recently expanded its Dayton Factory to a 24/7 production schedule, after adding third and fourth production shifts recently. The company hired nearly 150 workers in the first half of 2021, its biggest growth phase since opening the factory in September 2019.
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