Three students in the Northern Virginia Community College automotive program were awarded $1,000 scholarships from Volkswagen.
Corey Harrison of Boyce, Monika Lategano of Leesburg and Eliza G. Taylor of Chantilly were the scholarship recipients.
“I recommended the students because all three have gone above and beyond by helping in class or lab and taking time out of their schedules to participate in recruiting events for NOVA. I’m very proud of these students and happy to play a part in their educations,” stated program head John Hicks in a release.
The scholarships were awarded to the students based on essays they wrote about how the funds would assist them in their education.
More on the winners, from a release:
Harrison earned an associate degree in automotive technology in fall 2016 and is currently pursuing another degree in automotive emissions and a certificate in diesel technology. He is taking three classes this semester while working full time in the service department at Malloy Ford in Winchester. He is Ford certified in three areas and plans to earn his Virginia state inspectors license and take the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification tests.
“Since my parents have been paying for my education, this scholarship means a lot to me because I was able to contribute by using it toward a semester of classes,” Harrison said.
Lategano has volunteered to represent NOVA at events, most notably a career fair hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation. She will graduate in May 2017 with an associate degree in automotive technology and plans to attend James Madison University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me,” she said. “My parents are very proud to see my hard work pay off. They have been my supporters since day one and proving to them that I am getting rewards is a great feeling.”
Taylor is studying full time toward degrees in automotive technology and automotive emissions. After graduation, she hopes to start a career with Micron Technology Inc.
“This scholarship provides financial assistance to help realize my dreams. I’d like to thank my instructors at NOVA for their time, patience, support and encouragement in helping me become a productive member of society,” Taylor said.
According to Hicks, Taylor was recommended because she is always helping other students in and out of class. She also volunteers her time to the Automotive Program by helping to keep the NATEF (National Automotive Technician’s Educational Foundation) records current.
