Eight students 2014 MAPA scholarships

The Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA) has recognized eight students with 2014 MAPA Scholarships. This is the first Annual MAPA Scholarship program for MAPA and its members. MAPA Scholarships will be presented annually to deserving post high school students. Applications were rated based on career goals, essay, employment, extracurricular activities, and scholastic achievement.

The scholarship award winners, hometown and career goals are:

Maddie Duininck, Willmar, MN – Business

Kelsey Behnke, Albert Lea, MN – Business & Political Science

Lisa Kittleson, Young America, MN – Marketing Communications

Samantha Block, Spicer, MN – Political Science

Torey Malerich, St. Michael, MN – Accounting & Management

Aaron Rinta, Aitkin, MN – Mechanical Engineering

Haley Luftman, Duluth, MN – Psychology

Genevieve Bowersox, Stillwater, MN – Nursing

“Recent statistics show that 70 percent of all students graduating from four-year colleges have student loan debt,” said Jill Thomas, P.E., executive director of MAPA. “According to a government data analysis, the class of 2014 graduated with the largest debt in history. These scholarships were created in an effort to help alleviate that burden to the next generation.”

MAPA raised funds for its scholarship program through an annual golf event, which is supported by the 130 member companies of MAPA and raised $22,500. MAPA represents the asphalt pavement industry in Minnesota through active education and research programs, as well as by working with Minnesota Department of Transportation and other stakeholders to ensure that Minnesota’s asphalt roads are among the best in the nation.