The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) awarded six $500 scholarships to deserving high school graduates to attend the college of their choice.
Erin Sumfleth will attend the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York; Taylor Jarrett will attend Texas State University; Jasper Winters will attend the University of Washington; Alexis Miller will attend Northern Arizona University; Allison Rivett will attend the University of Saskatchewan; and Desiree Schippers will attend Kansas State University.
As North America’s leading commercial motor vehicle safety organization, CVSA’s annual scholarship award program is a key component of the Alliance’s outreach initiatives. The scholarship award program is competitive in its selection criteria, uniquely tailored to recognize outstanding high school seniors. Scholarship recipients are selected by weighing a strong combination of academic performance, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
“Our six scholarship winners clearly demonstrated tremendous academic achievement as well as involvement in extracurricular activities and commendable volunteer work throughout their high school careers,” said CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney. “We are proud to provide college scholarships to these exemplary young adults, furthering their education in the fields of their choice.”
Taylor Jarrett, daughter of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Ofr. Scott Hayney of the Lewisville (Texas) Police Department, plans to pursue a degree in nursing. In high school, Taylor was on the school dance team, in the band and part of the color guard. She participated in her school’s health science program and performed hospital rotations, as well as ride-outs with the fire department.
“I have also volunteered numerous times at Denco 9-1-1 District, participating in events that promote public safety and education,” said Taylor. “I also worked part time at an assisted living community.”
Daughter of Lt. David Miller of the Nevada Highway Patrol, Alexis Nikole Miller represented her high school as a varsity athlete in soccer and track. She volunteered at the Marvin Moss Fall Festival, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and at local middle school track meets. Alexis also organized a food drive for a local elementary school and volunteered to clean city parks and rivers.
Jasper Winters, whose father Roger Hoe drives a propane truck for Amerigas, graduated from high school as salutatorian with a GPA of 3.97 and plans to study genetic engineering in college. Jasper volunteered at Colville Valley Animal Sanctuary, and was a member of the National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars.
Jasper says, “I love to read and write, and study new things. I quite enjoy useless facts, especially those that can be inserted into otherwise normal conversations on a regular basis because without a little fun, life is not worth living.”
Allison Rivett, daughter of Glen Rivett, an investigator with Saskatchewan Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, will pursue her bachelor of science degree at University of Saskatchewan. Allison has been involved in dance since the age of three.
Allison says, “being involved in dance has allowed me to experience many things, including being part of a large production group that performed shows on two cruise ships. I have been involved in community activities like Arts Without Borders, YOUCANFREE.US, and various fundraising events due to my connection to dance.”
Daughter of CVSA Level I Inspector Andrew Schippers of the Kansas Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Alliance Program, Desiree Schippers was a member of many clubs and organizations in high school, such as the student council, drama, forensics and yearbook. Along with these activities, Desiree enjoyed competing in cross country and softball. Utilizing her leadership on the softball team, Desiree organized and executed a fundraiser to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness. Her team was able to raise more than $6,000 over two seasons to fund research and assist MS survivors. Outside of school, Desiree worked at Prairie Senior Living Complex and plans to use her experience at the nursing home to propel her into a career as a physician’s assistant. This fall, she will attend Kansas State University to major in human health and nutrition with a minor in creative writing.
Erin Sumfleth, daughter of New York State Tpr. Teresa Sumfleth, was ranked second in her class. She was student council member, treasurer and, ultimately, president. She was also treasurer and secretary in the National Honor Society. Erin was in many clubs and activities throughout her high school years, including band and jazz band, the musical production club, drama club and science club. Erin also volunteered at the Delaware Youth Center, American Youth Soccer Organization, Catholic Youth Organization, St. George’s Catholic Church and the Girl Scouts.
All recipients have been notified of their selection as award winners. CVSA was able to award six scholarship winners with $500 each thanks, in part, to a generous donation by Smart Safety Services LLC.
Information about the 2017 scholarship program will be announced in early 2017.