Four high achievers tapped for $2,500 awards
By Andy Kriege, YSN
A high point of this week’s Summit 2022 proceedings was the announcement of this year’s AVB/BrandSource scholarship award winners.
As part of a longstanding effort to support higher education, the group bestows $10,000 in academic achievement awards annually. The goal of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to the offspring of BrandSource members and their staff to help offset higher education expenses.
Four winners were chosen from dozens of submissions, with each receiving $2,500 toward enrollment this fall. This was the second year in which eligibility was extended beyond those attending four-year colleges to include students enrolled in tech and trade school programs.
The candidates were judged on their academic merit (including their GPAs and extracurricular activities); their community involvement; a written essay; and such additional criteria as their responses to follow-up questions and the overall presentation of their submission.
This year’s winners are:
Hannah Uutela
Hanna is a currently a senior at Union High School in Fortuna, Calif. She is the daughter of Josh and Jessica Uutela, owners of North Coast Appliance in McKinleyville. She intends to enroll at San Diego State University this fall and major in nutrition. After graduating college, Hannah aspires to become a registered dietitian. In so doing, she hopes to inspire others to make healthier choices and live happier lives through her work in the field. Hannah is passionate about keeping active when not attending class, and divides her spare time between exercising, weightlifting, volleyball, snowboarding and surfing.
Jenna Pierce
Jenna Pierce is a freshman at Jacksonville State University pursuing a degree in Business Management with a minor in marketing. Jenna is the granddaughter of Bob Weathers and daughter of Jennifer and Adam Pierce, owners of Weathers Hardware & Appliance in Boaz, Ala. She chose her major out of a desire to seek a career within the family business, as she wishes to continue and build on a family legacy that dates back nearly 100 years. Outside of school Jenna enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and snuggling with her faithful dog, Buddy.
Syra York
Syra York is the daughter of Sound Bank Electronics owner and ProSource members Dennis and Lydia Englert. She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and is currently enrolled in graduate school at Arizona State University where she is working on a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). She aspires to aid the elderly within her community who are suffering from chronic disease. When not pursuing her graduate studies, Syra manages to find the time to travel and relax with family and friends, often with her French bulldog Gaston on her lap.
Isabella Lichti
Isabella Lichti is a senior at Fillmore Central High School in Geneva, Neb. She is the daughter of Darin Lichti and granddaughter of Max Lichti of Lichti’s TV, Appliance & Furniture Center in York Neb. She will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall and plans to extend her education even further at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, with the goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant (PA), specializing in family medicine or women’s health.
When not in class she stays active through sports or outdoor activities with friends and her golden retriever.
Isabella’s dad relayed her excitement at being selected for the award. “Bella was so appreciative of winning this scholarship,” Darin told YSN. “She applied entirely on her own and when she received word that she had won, she called me and her grandpa [Max] right away to share the exciting news.”
“This scholarship will be a big help to her in the pursuit of her career,” Darin added. “We are all grateful for this program.”
A review of all the applications and judges’ notes has given this writer great faith in the next generation of BrandSource members. It is clear that our members do a truly fantastic job instilling the same values in their kids that made them successful in business. It shows that hard work, discipline, and resilience not only make for great retailers but for high-achieving students as well.
Congratulations to all the 2022 scholarship winners! Enjoy the Scholarship video HERE.
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, mattress, furniture, and CE dealers.
