DULUTH, GA - September 7, 2005 - Less-Than-Truckload carrier Saia, a subsidiary of SCS Transportation, has announced the recipients of twelve higher education scholarships totaling $18,000 in the third Saia Scholarship Award program. Scholarships were awarded to employees of Saia or their dependents.
"This scholarship program is a Saia initiative that was designed to reinforce the importance of education, and to benefit our employees and their dependents," said Saia President & CEO Rick O'Dell. "The response we received for the program, now in its third year, highlights the desire of students to build a solid future based on a strong educational foundation".
Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, quality of essays, community service, leadership capability, communication skills and recommendation letters. Scholarships were awarded based on achievement in one or more of three areas: Academic Merit, Community Service and/or Innovation.
Six $2,000 Scholarships
Cassi Dillingham, daughter of Donald Dillingham, Oklahoma City Line Driver. Cassi is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma and her sister, Mandi, was a 2003 and 2004 scholarship recipient.
Karlee Harmon, daughter of Howard Harmon, Tupelo City Driver. Karlee will attend ICC Community College.
Leah Layman, daughter of Charles David Layman, Tampa Line Driver. Leah is a student at Florida State University and was a 2003 and 2004 scholarship recipient.
Jonathon Mayhew, son of Gerald Mayhew, Calexico, California City Driver. Jonathan is a student at Liberty University and was a 2003 scholarship recipient.
Shane Prejean, son of Mona Prejean, an employee at Saias general office in Houma, Louisiana. Shane will attend Nicholls State University.
Brooke Savoie, daughter of Daryal Savoie, New Orleans Line Driver. Brooke is a student at Southeastern Louisiana University and was a 2004 scholarship recipient.
Six $1,000 Scholarships
Eric Copes, Wichita P&D Driver, will study business management and continue his career in the motor freight industry. Eric was a 2004 scholarship recipient.
Tyler Estep, son of Craig Estep, Atlanta Sales. Tyler will attend the University of Georgia.
Justin Russell, son of Jimmy Saunders, Abilene City Driver. Justin will attend Tarleton State University.
Selina Sebert, Spokane Operations Clerk, will continue her online coursework through Baker College.
Lacy Strom, son of Michael F. Strom, Florence, SC City Driver. Lacy is a student at the University of South
Carolina and was a 2004 scholarship recipient.
Christopher Stump, son of Thomas Stump, Roanoke City Driver. Christopher is a student at the University of
Kentucky and was a 2004 scholarship recipient.
"The applicants the committee evaluated were excellent," said O'Dell, "showing that these very deserving students
are strong academic achievers, very well respected in their communities, and are highly recommended by their associates, teachers and community leaders."
Saia received applications from across the country. Applications were received from students and employees from 13 regions, 21 states and 45 terminals and regional offices.