The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has awarded five incoming college freshmen with $1,000 each to be used toward their college tuition. Congratulations to Emma Connelly, Kimani Green, Juliet Hernandez, Ryan Savage and Andrew Wozniack.
Connelly will major in architecture at Clemson University, Green plans to attend Converse University with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Hernandez will pursue biomedical engineering at Marymount Manhattan College, Savage will major in business at Boise State University and Wozniak will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, majoring in computer science.
The CVSA College Scholarship Award Program recognizes outstanding students who excel in their academic performance, volunteer work, community service and extracurricular activities.
“The last school year was undoubtedly challenging for many high school seniors, as most students had to adjust to an alternative senior-year experience learning from home,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “It was very important to the Alliance to be able to acknowledge these hard-working and focused students, especially during such a difficult time. So, congratulations to Emma Connelly, Kimani Green, Juliet Hernandez, Ryan Savage and Andrew Wozniak. We hope these awards will help them as they start their college experience and pursue their academic and professional goals.”
CVSA’s first scholarship award recipient, Emma Connelly will attend Clemson University in South Carolina as an architecture major. She is the daughter of Brent Connelly with Vulcan Materials Company.
“After graduating college, I aspire to work toward my dream job at Walt Disney Imagineering Company,” said Connelly. “I believe architecture falls right in the middle of the Imagineering spectrum, acting as a bridge between concept artists and engineers. It’s the best of both worlds and I have accumulated many ideas over years that the company may make a reality.”
Connelly has been involved in many groups and received multiple honors throughout her high school academic career. She was president and secretary of the Beta Club and three-year class senator, while also maintaining her position on the principal’s honor roll. She has also dedicated her time to varsity tennis and choir, as well as link crew, a small group of high school ambassadors who welcome incoming high school freshmen by providing a tour of the school and showing them around.
“Emma is an exemplary model student,” said teacher Michelle Ashley. “She is continuously asking questions to broaden her understanding of the environmental world, sharing with me topics she heard about in the news, and is just a delight to engage with in conversation.”
Kimani Green – daughter of Tellis Green with the South Carolina State Transport Police – will attend Converse University in South Carolina with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Green made the president’s list, maintained at 4.299 grade point average and is a member of the honors society, all while working part-time after school and being involved in several extra-curricular activities, including Beta Club, Interact/Rotary Club, Book Club and the Future Business Leaders of America, to name a few. She’s also captain of her high school’s varsity basketball and tennis teams. In fact, she was named Player of the Year for Region 6AA girls varsity basketball.
“Being a part of so many organizations and having to teach and mentor others has taught me how to be a better leader,” said Green. “I am determined that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I strive to the best of my ability. No matter what obstacles are thrown my way, they will not stop me from what God has set for my life.”
“Kimani’s desire to grow and learn as a person, student and athlete is second to none,” said Robert Benvin, English teacher at Woodland High.
Juliet Hernandez will major in biomedical engineering at Marymount Manhattan College in New York. Her parent is Scott Hernandez, retired law enforcement member from the Colorado State Patrol, currently with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
“As I pursue biomedical engineering, I strive to be a figure in the community that educates and helps other engineers with their work,” said Hernandez. “I want to encourage others to expand their knowledge on how biomedical engineering can impact future understanding of genes, human philosophy and how diseases can be prevented. I plan on devoting myself completely to science and encouraging younger audiences to be interested in these modern advances.”
Juliet earned honors in biology, chemistry, English and math analysis. In addition to her classroom experience, Juliet was vice president of the Key Club and a member of her high school’s swim and golf teams and the Science National Honors Society. She also served the community by volunteering for church clubs and camps and participating in Relay for Life.
“Juliet takes the initiative to challenge herself and learn for the sake of learning,” said advanced placement literature teacher and instructional coach Jennifer Snowden Frobose. “In the classroom, she is an active participant with high standards and has an amazing ability to unify individuals toward a common goal and create a comfortable space for all voices to be valued. Juliet isn’t afraid to work hard, or even struggle, which is critical in a strong leader.”
Ryan Savage will attend Boise State University, majoring in business. Ryan is the son of Mark Savage, retired law enforcement member from the Colorado State Patrol, currently with Intelligent Imaging Systems and Drivewyze.
“Since elementary school, I have been in accelerated classes and worked hard, including staying after school to learn more and expand my knowledge,” said Savage. “I discovered that I am best at math and numbers. I also found an interest in learning about money management, which is perfect for a career in business.”
Ryan joined DECA, a high school club that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in business, marketing and finance. He also played soccer for his high school and club teams and volunteered for multiple school events. On top of all that, Ryan worked an after-school job, while maintaining good grades.
“While in my class, Ryan exhibited a myriad of skills that proved he was a successful and motivated learner,” said Ryan’s teacher, Phillip Kyle. “Whatever challenge I threw his way, including college-level research projects, historical document analyses and academic writing assignments, Ryan thrived due to his strong work ethic and passion for learning.”
Our fifth and final scholarship award recipient is Andrew Wozniak – son of Kevin Wozniak with the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. He will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, majoring in computer science.
“Ever since I got my hands on my first piece of technology, I have been fascinated with the digital world and knew I wanted to make a future involving it,” said Wozniak. “I hope to one day help people like me change and improve themselves through modern technology and innovations. In my mind, the best way to do this is through studying computer science and creating new ways for people to connect with each other.”
“Andy displays leadership, responsibility and character through his various roles within our troop and through various community service projects,” said Lee Marshall, committee chair for a Boy Scout troop in New York. “I am proud to know him as a scout.”
Wozniak was a cub scout from kindergarten to fifth grade and a boy scout from sixth grade up. He also excelled in academics as a member of the National Honor Society all his high school years. Wozniak has also worked as a farmhand on a local farm, caring for the animals, organizing plants in the greenhouses, maintaining farm structures, picking crops and much more.
Applicants for the scholarship award must write and submit two essays, provide two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher and one from another non-relative adult), provide a high school transcript and have a minimum grade point average or equivalent of 3.0. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, applicants must be a legal dependent of a CVSA member and a citizen and/or permanent legal resident of Canada, Mexico or the U.S.
CVSA was able to award these scholarships thanks, in part, to the sponsorship of J. J. Keller & Associates Inc., a trusted source for transportation, workplace safety, human resources, construction safety and hazardous materials regulation compliance products and services.
CVSA will begin accepting 2022 scholarship applications in February 2022.
The CVSA College Scholarship Award Program is dedicated to Gary E. Curtis. While working for the Virginia State Police, Curtis was an active member of CVSA and a cornerstone in the development of the roadside North American Standard Inspection Program. He served as CVSA’s director of technical services in 1992. His efforts and contributions helped form the solid base upon which CVSA now proudly stands. Curtis lost his life to cancer in December 1998.