2008 Scholars Winners

Dedicated service, musicianship, and missionary work overshadow the academic achievements of the 2008 American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Interplastic-sponsored Scholars Awards. A diversity of interests exemplifies the overall high achievement of this year’s winners.

Each winner receives a $2,000 scholarship, intended to help cover the costs of tuition, books and/or supplies. The annual awards are given to graduating high school seniors in pursuit of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. The emphasis on excellence in academic and extracurricular activities, personal merit, and background are clearly recognized in each winner. The scholarships are open to children and grandchildren of ACMA member companies and their employees. 

Jamison Arends, sponsored by Winnebago Industries (Hampton, Iowa), is a graduate of Rockford Senior High School and was the Class of 2008 Valedictorian.  Jamison plays the saxophone and was in the Marching Band, Jazz Band and Choir.  He served as President of the National Honor Society, Band Council, and Student Body.  He earned the 2008 Iowa Caucuses County Delegate award, and many other Academic and Leadership awards.  He has volunteered many hours to the District Advisory Committee, Floyd County Conservation, the Presidential Campaign Organization, Charles County Church Band, and Elementary Saxophone Lessons, along with many other community organizations where he has earned many letters of appreciation for his work.  Jamison plans to continue his education at Iowa State University to pursue a degree in Business Administration and/or Engineering.	Jamison Arends
Jennifer Colley, sponsored by Ashland Inc. (Dublin, Ohio), is a graduate of Bishop Ready High School. She has been playing piano for 12 years. Jennifer has participated in the Student Council Executive Board as President, the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Architecture Explorers Post, and the Hilliard Library Teen Advisory Board. She has received 15 Academic Achievement Awards as well as the School Service award, and the Junior Prize Speaking Finalist award, and was a National Merit Finalist. She has volunteered numerous hours to St. Brendan Parish, Material Assistance Providers, Bishop Ready High School, and Hilliard Library where she was the “Volunteen” Supervisor and the first teenager to completely create, organize, and run a program. Jennifer plans to continue her education in architecture.	Jennifer Colley
Alec O’Neal Daily is a graduate of Arthur High School in Arthur, IL. Sponsored by Carstin Brands, Inc. Alec graduated high school as valedictorian of his class. He was vice president of the National Honor Society and participated in school council.  He earned the Illinois State Scholar Award and many Leadership and Academic Awards. Alec also played Basketball and Football for all four years of high school and Track & Field for three years.  His volunteer service includes two mission trips, Habit for Humanity, and served as a youth representative on his church council. Alec is a registered pharmacy technician and will be continuing his education at pharmacy school.	Alec O’Neal Daily
Lindsey Echols, sponsored by Burks Inc. (Atlanta, GA), is an International Baccalaureate Program graduate of Marietta High School. She played tennis all 4 years of high school, received the Coach’s Award, has competed in Tournament Tennis and was ranked in the top 80 of the state each year. She has participated in many school activities such as the German Club, Latin Honor Society, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has completed an Executive Internship at Wellstar Pediatrics. She was honored multiple times for Outstanding Achievement in Latin and German, and won the 2007 University of Georgia Certificate of Merit, and the Presbyterian College Fellows Award. Lindsey has volunteered at Kennstone Hospital, A.L. Buress Elementary School, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: Race for the Cure. Lindsey plans to continue her education at Clemson University as a part of 200 freshmen accepted into the Calhoun Scholars Honors program.	Lindsey Echols
Travis Kieffer, sponsored by Plastics Unlimited (Preston, Iowa), is a graduate of Preston High School. He has played football and basketball all four years of high school and received multiple Letters. Travis was Class President for three years, participated in the National Honor Society, School Student Advisory Board, was a Student Council Member, and Advanced to State in Invent Iowa Competition. He has been involved in several community organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Relay for Life, and church teen groups. He has worked at his parents’ company, Plastics Unlimited, where he was involved in the development of a patent pending process incorporating green products. Travis has already completed four college courses and attended a Leadership Conference at Iowa State University. Travis plans to continue his education in Industrial Engineering and Environmental Engineering.	Travis Kieffer
Kajal Mehta, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company (Freeport, Texas), is a graduate of Brazoswood High School where she was an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors. She has participated in many school and community activities such as the Rocketry Club, the National Honor Society – Presidential Cabinet, Student Council, Youth Advisory Commission at Lake Jackson, and the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) where she took a trip to India to work with the villagers of Sidhbari. Kajal has received Merit Awards in Western Geography Advanced, German, and AP English; won medals in State Music Theory, and earned a Letter in Band. She plays the oboe and piano and has volunteered multiple hours playing piano at nursing homes. She has also contributed many volunteer hours at the Chinmaya Houston Youth Group, Lake Jackson Library, and as a Student Teacher at Temple. Kajal plans to continue her education in the psychology, communications, and international relations fields.	Kajal Mehta

Winners were selected from more than 50 applicants by judges Terry McCabe, Interplastic Corporation; Ron Reichard, Structural Composites; Gary Whiting, Tiffany Marble; Bill Kreysler, William Kreysler & Associates; and Larry Cox, ACMA. Applications for the 2009 ACMA Scholars Awards are available at www.acmanet.org.

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