Bendix Announces "The Passion That Drives You" Scholarship Winners

March 02, 2010

Congratulations to the winners of the Bendix Brakes "The Passion That Drives You" Scholarship contest. Each of these inspiring young people earned a $2500 scholarship towards their automotive education. Here at AskPatty.com, we're especially pleased to see that two of the scholarship winners are young women aspiring to begin careers in the automotive industry!

David I., Hickory, North Carolina, NASCAR Technical Institute

James M., Glendale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute

Jinhun K., Thornton, Colorado, Westwood College - Denver North

Jody Anne G., Orlando, Florida, Universal Technical Institute

Johna H., Cumberland, Maryland, Allegany College of Maryland

Sam S., Maple Park, Illinois, Waubonsee Community College

Victor L., Orlando, Florida, School TBD

William K., Falls Church, Virginia, NASCAR Technical Institute

"The response to this program was absolutely incredible," said Jim Kelley, Director of Sales, North America for Friction Materials LLC. "The fact that almost 500 young men and women took the time to write essays and share their dreams truly speaks to the passion that drives our industry. We're excited to be able to offer our eight winners financial assistance as they pursue their career goals." (Friction Materials and Bendix Brakes are business units of Honeywell International Inc.)

The entrants' responses were judged by a panel of industry peers, including editors from leading trade publications Motor Age and Tomorrow's Technician, as well as three specially selected national career tech school teachers. All bias content -- including names of entrants, schools attending, etc. -- was removed prior to judging.

The scholarship contest ran from September 22 to December 1, 2009, and asked participants to answer the following three questions regarding their passion for vehicles.
1. What makes you passionate about cars?
2. Why do you want to enter the field of automotive maintenance?
3. Why is attending a CareerTech School so important to you?

Each entry was unique, with personal stories, aspirations, and goals highlighting every response. This small excerpt from one of the winner's essays is a great example of the types of responses submitted for consideration:
"I am amazed at the subtle as well as the drastic changes in design which make each vehicle perform a specific function. I stand in awe when I look at the enormous amount of energy it takes for a semi-truck to haul its load down the road. I look at the complex suspension systems in the family car that allow an infant to sleep while on a road trip to visit grandma and grandpa. These everyday machines are indispensable; they are my passion. Dragsters and other souped-up cars and trucks are great to look at and play with. However, my passion is to make sure the day-to-day events happen."

Bendix is planning a similar program in 2010, and we will keep you posted when we hear about the next opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to earn scholarships toward their education!

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