THE VILLAGES MOTOR RACING FAN CLUB
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In mid-2009, our club took a significant step forward with the
implementation of a scholarship program designed to support individuals
pursuing higher education in academic fields related to the world of
motorsports. After careful consideration and extensive research, the club’s Pit
Crew developed eligibility criteria and application procedures for the program,
and officially launched it in July of 2009. Each year, scholarship applications
are collected up until March 31, and a sub-committee appointed by the Pit Crew
evaluates the applications and supporting material and announces its decision
by the end of April. The winner is notified immediately, and invited to a club
meeting to accept the award.
Since 2009, our club has made the following scholarship awards
(click on the entry to review the recipient’s background):
2009 – Matt Bowers
2010 – Scott Michael Hensley
2011 – Amanda Ferguson
Click Here
to download a copy of the program’s official description and an application
form.
Scholarship recipient Matt Bowers (holding plaque), is surrounded
by, from left, Rich Freed, parents Deb & Ned Bowers, Glen & Linda
Carter, Wendy Touchette, Gerry & Gary Greim, Zoe Ann & Buster Burt,
Mike Touchette, and Barbara Freed.
Racing Club Awards 2010 Scholarship
At its July 7 meeting, The
Villages Motor Racing Fan Club presented its 2010 Book/Tuition Scholarship to
Wildwood High School graduate Scott Michael Hensley of Fruitland Park. The $500
scholarship is awarded annually to a high school student from the tri-county
area meeting the program’s criteria and having a connection to the world of
motor racing. Hensley has been accepted into Jacksonville University, where he
intends to pursue a BS degree in Business Management.
Presenting
the award certificate was 2009 scholarship recipient Matt Bowers of Mt. Dora.
Bowers, a local Late Model stock car racer, is entering his second year of
studies at Lake-Sumter Community College in its business/finance curriculum.
Bowers has been affiliated for some time with the racing club, and was inducted
into its Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his accomplishments in motor
racing.
In discussing the scholarship
program, club president Gerry Hafer noted that community involvement is considered
one of the main principles of the motor-racing organization. “We support
several charitable organizations,” Hafer observed “But we also provide critical
support to a variety of venues specifically related to motor racing and the
development of racers, race teams, and racing-related programs.” Through
contributions and specific sponsorship arrangements, the club has supported
three main charities—Help Them Call Home, Operation Shoebox, and Victory
Junction Gang Camp—and has provided financial support to more than a dozen
individual racing programs. In addition, the club has allocated funds to
specific causes, such as the 2007 tornado recovery effort. “During our almost
four years as an organization,” Hafer reports “We’ve contributed over $13,000
to the support of programs our members endorse.”
Click Here to download
a copy of the program’s official description and an application form.
© 2006-2012 The Villages Motor racing Fan Club