Each year, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) grants several scholarships to students from across the country. The winners are announced and presented with their scholarships during the AACA Annual Convention in Philadelphia in February. This year, AACA awarded five scholarships totaling $7,500. Since the program's inception in 1994, AACA has given away $145,250.
The Louise Bianchi Chiotti Memorial Scholarship was given to Francis Abate. The recipient of this scholarship must be currently enrolled in a recognized accredited institution of higher learning leading to the completion of a program in automotive technology and/or restoration, and the recipient must have shown an active interest in the hobby of antique vehicles. Abate is a nontraditional student currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in automotive restoration at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., as his second career. Abate, originally from Maryland, moved to McPherson with his wife so he could pursue this degree. His professor, Mr. Dudley, nominated him for the scholarship.
Alex Ramsier received the Susquehannock Region Automotive Technology Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to encourage students to further their education and stimulate interest in the AACA and automotive history. Ramsier, a native of Wooster, Ohio, is a senior at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., pursuing a degree in automotive restoration management. Ramsier has been active in the student body and has had several summer internships with prominent auction companies and restoration shops. He was nominated by professor Luke Chennell.
Nathan Roth received the AACA Scholarship. Applicants for this scholarship must be AACA members and accepted to a recognized accredited institution or currently enrolled in such an institution leading to a four-year college bachelor's degree or completion of a two-year vocational education program. They must also be 25 years old or younger at the time of application. Roth is a student at Northwestern State University of Louisiana pursuing a degree in music performance and education. Someday he hopes to not only teach music on the college level, but also perform as a professional musician with a major symphony. Outside of his work with music, he has been heavily involved in AACA shows and tours and was recommended by the Lagniappe Chapter of AACA in Schriever, La.
The AACA Young People's Award Scholarship was presented to Brandon Kauffman. This award is given to an AACA member or a child or grandchild of an active AACA member in good standing for at least five years. Applicants must have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning or be currently enrolled in such an institution. Applicants must be nominated by a region or chapter of AACA and must be no more than 25 years old. Brandon is a student at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in applied science in technical leadership. Outside of his studies, Brandon is active in AACA, particularly with the Gettysburg Region. Additionally, he helps out when available at the AACA Headquarters.
Tyler Gimbert received the John and Janet Ricketts Leadership Scholarship. This award is granted by the family of John and Janet Ricketts in recognition of their love of AACA and their belief in service to the club. It is also in recognition of the club's first female national president, Janet Ricketts, in 1999. Gimbert is a student at Old Dominion University in Virginia pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology. Gimbert has been active in AACA, serving as board member for the Tidewater Region, as well as master judge. Outside of his academics, Gimbert volunteers at the Military Aviation Museum and works on and drives his 1924 Ford Model T.
AACA has 55,000 members in 52 countries. For more information, readers may visit http://www.aaca.org.
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