Three scholarships have been awarded to TWENTY16 presented by Sho-Air junior athletes. Each athlete has been awarded $8,000 ($2000/year) for college tuition and books. Scholarships were slated to be awarded to two eligible athletes but, due to a tie for the second scholarship spot, the donors have very generously awarded a third scholarship for 2015.
The 2015 recipients are Marta Morris (18) from Grand Junction, Colorado who will be attending Marian University; Zoe Mullins (18) from Winter Garden, Florida, a student at Milligan University; and Hannah Arensman (17) from Valdese, North Carolina, who will be selecting a college in early spring of 2016.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship,” commented Ride 4 Education Scholarship recipient, Marta Morris.”For me, a college education is essential in achieving my future goals and having the support of the TWENTY16 team now and for the past several years has made a positive influence in my life that I greatly value.”
The TWENTY16 Ride 4 Education Scholarship provides direct financial assistance to our junior athletes, spurred by the critical importance of academic priorities in a sport that offers a sustainable career for only a few top athletes. By providing our athletes with the ability to pursue their education, we are equipping them for a future far beyond the world of cycling. Ride 4 Education was designed to reward not only great achievement in cycling, but also to highlight the value of education and community involvement. These three pillars are the foundation of the program.
“I am so proud of the Zoe, Hannah and Marta. I have enjoyed working with each of them the past two years,” mentioned Ride 4 Education co-founder Mari Holden. “All three have such a strong work ethic and really did a great job on our team. I am happy that they will be the first three recipients of the Ride 4 Education scholarship.”
Thank you to the following donors for their contributions to the Ride 4 Education scholarship, Barry Bonds Family Foundation, Will Chang, Biagi Brothers Inc, Rainey Miller, Dean Family Trust, Burns Family Foundation, Jackson Family Wines, Holden Family, Jeff Bernstein, David & Becky Vigil and Wendy Tonkin Philanthropic Fund.
“Without the team, I never would have made it to Junior National Championships this past summer, said Zoe Mullins, “I never would have shown to myself and others what I’m capable of achieving! I am incredibly grateful to receive the Race 4 Education scholarship; now not only has TWENTY16 made my junior racing years a success, but also you’ve given me awesome help to my collegiate career! ”
Thank you to the Ride 4 Education selection committee, Margaret Hepworth, Dr. Kristin Wingfield, Lt Col Benjamin H Rhoades, Jim and Terri Holden, Mari Holden and Nicola Cranmer.
“I love how TWENTY16 is always putting education first,” said Hannah Arensman, “It gives young women on the team a chance to really focus on school and not worry about taking too much time out to be racing a ton. You all are the best!”
With continued contributions the Ride 4 Education scholarship program we hope to support more young student athletes in the future. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Tam Cycling/Ride 4 Education. PO Box 875, Kentfield, CA 94914 USA and PayPal [email protected].