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monthly news for Saia employees
September 2018

2018 Saia Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 20 recipients of this year's scholarship program.

$2,000 Scholarship Winners

Wyatt Haley
Nolensville, Tennessee
Parent – NSH OS&D Specialist Angela Haley

Wyatt Haley graduated from Page High School with a 4.2 GPA and started at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville this fall. There, he plans on majoring in animal science/pre-veterinary medicine. Aside from a stellar academic career, he is described as someone with a tremendous work ethic and personal value for civic duty. “…Wyatt is the first to participate in a service project, tackle a fundraiser, or just volunteer to help where it is needed.”

Jaylan Harrington
Garner, North Carolina
Parent – RAL Dockworker Johnny Harrington

Currently attending North Carolina State University, Jaylan Harrington graduated from Middle Creek High School earlier this year with a 4.53 GPA. In addition to his academic achievements, Jaylan served as a leader for his school’s broadcasting club and covered a variety of high profile sporting events as a camera operator in addition to working with local news station WRAL. One instructor said Jaylan “embodies everything one looks for in a hard-working student…He is responsible, trustworthy, and reliable.”

Olivia Lullmann
Ely, Iowa
Parent – CRD Line Driver Shane Lullmann

After graduating this year from Prairie High School with a 4.22 GPA, Olivia Lullmann began her college career at the University of Iowa where she plans on studying neuroscience. She is described as someone who is has the “ability to analyze, evaluate and respond to any situation in front of her in ways which are wise beyond her years…” and as someone who “has prepared herself to succeed.”

Emily Marquez
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Parent – WPB Terminal Manager
Juan Carlos Marquez, Sr.

Having graduated from Treasure Coast High School this spring with a 6.05 GPA, Emily Marquez is currently enrolled at the University of Miami where she is studying health sciences. A teacher stated that Emily brought a mastery of subject matter, sound judgement, and professionalism to the classroom and that she was a role model for her peers as she used her spare time to help others.

Heather Mays
Tampa, Florida
Parent – TPA Dockworker Wyndell Mays

Now attending Florida Gulf Coast University, Heather Mays graduated from George M. Steinbrenner High School in May with a 5.44 GPA. Heather plans on studying nursing on her path to becoming a certified nurse anesthetist. Her teacher and mentor said she is “intelligent, motivated to excel, embraces new experiences and is humble.” Aside from her academic success, she also amassed over 400 hours of community service and participated in many programs that provided her with hospital experience.

Jada McDowell
Charleston, Arkansas
Parent – FTS City Driver Bryon Luster

Jada McDowell graduated this spring with a 4.14 GPA from Charleston High School and is now a pre-law major at the University of Arkansas. Jada is known as person with tremendous academic abilities and character who also has spent a great deal of time volunteering for a number of causes including the True Grit Bike Race, the Dog Shelter 5K Run, Habitat for Humanity, and Maggie House, a residential home for children. “Jada is a rare find. She is a person of strong character (who) is blessed and has always used her talents and strengths in a positive way.”

Kevin Ramirez Lopez
Sun Valley, Nevada
Parent – RNO Dockworker Carlos Payen

Kevin Ramirez Lopez capped off his high school career this June by achieving a 5.19 GPA on his way to studying geodetic engineering at the University of Nevada. Beyond his academic achievements, Kevin was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and is proud of his work to provide children in underrepresented communities with a scouting experience. He is described as an “excellent student who excels in whatever he sets his mind to.”

Jesse Shirts
Lyman, South Carolina
Parent – GVL City Driver Douglas Shirts

Currently attending Spartanburg Community College where he plans on studying business administration, Jesse Shirts graduated this June with a 4.59 GPA from Standard High School. Along with his academic accomplishments, Jesse has given much of his free time to volunteering at Calvary Chapel Greer. He is described by his pastor and mentor as “organized, dependable, and hardworking” and as someone he couldn’t give a higher recommendation for.

David Smith, Jr.
Aylett, Virginia
Parent – RCM City Driver David Smith, Sr.

David Smith graduated earlier this year from West Point High School with a 4.39 GPA and was among the top of his class. He is now enrolled at Virginia Tech where he is seeking a degree in general engineering. Described as a “superb student and fine individual,” David took several dual-enrollment classes including calculus, physics and statistics. A faculty member said he is a “sincere and caring individual whose intelligence, responsibility, sharp wit and good sense of humor form the heart of an impressive young man.”

Vincent Spina
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Parent – SCR Terminal Manager Ronald Spina

As a student at Drexel University where he is studying chemical engineering, Vincent Spina sports an impressive 4.0 GPA. However, it’s his dedication to community service that Vincent is most proud of. Whether its volunteering during spring break last year to assist those devastated by flooding in Louisiana and Texas or helping out at Victory House and Family Promise, two homeless shelters that provide clothes and food to those in need, Vincent is intent on making a positive difference in the world. “His strong work ethic and unrelenting positive attitude was infectious,” said his disaster relief trip leader.

$1,000 Scholarship Winners

Grace Babin
Marrero, Louisiana
Parent – NOL City Driver Darrin Babin

Described as someone with impressive academic and athletic qualities, Grace Babin is currently studying radiology at Southeastern Louisiana University. She graduated this spring from Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy with a 3.88 GPA. Her teacher and athletic director said that “she is one of the most extraordinary students” he has encountered in his career and that “she is an extremely kind, sensitive and sensible young lady” who was an on-campus leader and mentor to other students and teammates.

Jacob Berrios
Staten Island, New York
Parent – NWK City Driver Carlos Berrios

Jacob Berrios is studying biomedical engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology after graduating in June with a cumulative average of 98.12 percent from Susan G. Wagner High School. Aside from stellar academic achievements, Jacob is a talented musician who not only plays five instruments, but mentors other students in music. He was also the cofounder of the SAT Club, which helped condition students for taking standardized tests. Additionally, Jacob served as a volunteer for NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. A senior director at Bellevue said “Jacob’s dedication and commitment is truly representative of his tremendous ability, professionalism and worth ethic.”

Morgan Eddins
New Caney, Texas
Parents – HST Business Development Executives Garon and Cheryl Eddins

Currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University where she is studying biology, Morgan Eddins is  known as someone who “displayed a social, emotional, and intellectual maturity, surpassing her peers.” She graduated from New Caney High School in May with a 4.1 GPA. In addition to being a student-athlete and a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and vice president of the band, Morgan participated in the ENGAGE Program, which provided her with experience and insight into the field of engineering. Her guidance counselor said, “From the day I met her as a freshman, it was evident that she had a passion to learn and to excel…”

Noah Eley
Huntington Beach, California
Parent – ORG Terminal Manager Michael Eley

As a junior at Vanguard University of Southern California, Noah Eley is studying kinesiology as he works toward his goal of becoming a physical therapist. With a cumulative GPA of 3.96, Noah has excelled academically and, among other honors, was the recipient of the Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award, which is given to student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding athletic achievement, campus and community leadership, future ambition, and embraces the five character values of the program. His professor said, students would describe Noah as “giving, generous, thoughtful, kind and trustworthy.” His pastor said he is “driven, self-motivated, and courageous.”

Stephanie Martinez
Horizon City, Texas
ELP Line Driver Ricardo Martinez

Stephanie Martinez graduated this June with a GPA of 97.28% from Eastlake High School. She is currently enrolled at Kansas Wesleyan University where is studying English and is a member of the women’s track and field team. In addition to her many extracurricular activities, Stephanie excelled academically, earning her a top spot in her graduating class. Her teacher said that she blew her away with her “intelligence, creativity and compassion towards others. Stephanie is truly an amazing student and athlete.”

Perla Melendez
Florida City, Florida
ATL Line Driver Jose Melendez

Perla Melendez is as a student in Albany State University’s Department of Health and Human Performance, part of the Darton College of Health Professions. She graduated in June from Palm Glades Prep High School with a 3.5 GPA. In addition to her academic achievements, including being named to the National Honor Society, Perla worked tirelessly as an athletic trainer for the school’s football and basketball teams. The head football coach said she is someone he believes has a promising future and is a “hardworking and humble young lady.”

Bryce Owens
Sylvania, Ohio
TOL Line Driver Bruce Owens

Currently enrolled at the University of Toledo, Bryce Owens is studying biochemistry. He graduated earlier this year from Northview High School with a 3.81 GPA where he was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Boy Scouts, band, robotics, theater, the World Language Club, tutoring and more, in addition to taking several Advanced Placement classes. A teacher said he cannot emphasize the level of respect Bryce earned from him. “Bryce is a dependable, reliable, good-hearted individual who students of all grades look up to.”

Sydney Roscoe
Temperance, Michigan
TOL Parts Buyer Searle Roscoe

Sydney Roscoe graduated in June with a 3.8 GPA from Whiteford High School. She is enrolled at Mercy College of Ohio where she is studying to receive her associate’s degree in nursing. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America’s co-ed program, Venturing, Sydney tirelessly promoted the program’s tenets in the community. Through her efforts, the scouts worked to renovate and improve the high school's music room and she coordinated an area-wide festival that brought different councils/youths together to participate in scout-related activities and skills. In her letter of recommendation, Sydney is described as a “inspiration to many people” and as someone who “senses a mission in what she does…”

Parker Tomlinson
Olive Branch, Mississippi
MPS City Driver Kenneth Tomlinson

Parker Tomlinson is a student with a 4.0 GPA at Delta State University where she is studying aviation flight operations. During her high school career, she was among the top of her class, a success she has repeated at the collegiate level. In addition to twice being named to the President’s List, Parker has received her private pilot single-engine land license. According to her public speaking teacher she is a “motivated and responsible person with a high degree of integrity.”

Amanda Wronski
Anaheim, California
ORG Line Driver Mark Wronski

As a nursing student at California State University San Marcus, Amanda Wronski possess a 3.88 GPA and is enthusiastic about her field of study. To her, nursing is not just a profession, it is a lifestyle that demands hard work, dedication and passion. Amanda is a member of the National Student Nurses Association, the Pre-Health Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. A faculty member described Amanda as someone whose “compassion to care for those in need, desire to learn and develop her practice, makes her a strong candidate for a scholarship.”