The OOIDA Foundation recently awarded $7,000 in scholarships to six college-bound children and grandchildren of OOIDA members.

The scholarship committee selected the six scholars from more than 70 applicants from across the country – that’s more than twice the number of entries last year. Each student wrote a 500-word essay discussing three positive ways the truckers in their lives had influenced them and how their choice of an educational goal would utilize the strongest attributes of their personalities.

Here are the OOIDA scholars for the 2004 school year:

	Katie Marie Adams is the granddaughter of member Daniel W. Selvage, Valley Center, KS. Katie is enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, where she plans to major in law, politics and society. She received a $2,000 scholarship award. Excerpts from her winning essay are included below.
	Corey James Kalma is the son of member Ralph C. Kalma, Benalillo, NM. Corey is enrolled at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, NM, where he plans to major in engineering. He received a $1,000 scholarship award.
	Kelly Kildow is the daughter of member John Kildow, Fife Lake, MI. Kelly is John’s second child to receive an OOIDA scholarship. Kelly is enrolled at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, where she plans to major in journalism. She received a $1,000 scholarship award.
	Andrew E. Murrow is the son of member Brian E. Murrow, York, PA. Andrew is enrolled at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, and plans to major in diesel technology. He received a $1,000 scholarship award.
	Tiffany Schlough is the daughter of member David Schlough, Wheeler, WI. Tiffany is enrolled at Martin Luther College of New Ulm, MN, and plans to major in elementary education. She received a $1,000 scholarship award.
	Lonnie Stoltzfoos is the son of member Mahlon F. Stoltzfoos, Ephrata, PA. Lonnie is enrolled at The King’s College in New York City, where he plans to major in liberal arts. He received a $1,000 scholarship award.

The OOIDA Scholarship Program was established to aid the children, grandchildren and legal dependents of OOIDA members. Additional corporate funding from our generous sponsors made it possible for the foundation to expand the scholarship program. They are: Alea, Besso LTD., The Cullen Law Firm, Land Line Magazine & Owner Operator Services Inc.

The scholarships are renewable for three additional years. Tax-deductible donations to the OOIDA Scholarship Program can be sent to: OOIDA Foundation Inc., 1 NW OOIDA Drive, Grain Valley, MO 64029.

The Impact of the Trucking Industry

Editor’s note:  Here are excerpts from Katie Marie Adams’ winning essay. Katie says for the first dozen years of her life, her future was uncertain. She moved in with her grandparents at age 13.

My grandfather, Daniel Selvage, has been a truck driver for the past twenty-five years and a member of OOIDA for fifteen of those years. Trucking turned out to be the first real job an authority figure held. This job put food on the table and allowed me to, for once, worry about myself instead of my little brother or family. I had the ability to be a normal teenager. Before I moved in with my grandparents a college education was never a factor. Now, with the financial help of my grandfather, I can see myself with a college diploma. Unfortunately my grandfather, a hard working American citizen, cannot pay for all of my college. In fact, he will be unable to even make a dent in this bill. When I go to college, I will be the first in family to take this adventurous step. I desperately want to show to my younger brother minorities can receive what they desire, and a college future is not out of his or my reach. I hope that by going to a private university, I will be able to better educate myself.

Because of my struggle to acquire the best grades possible and still be active in my community and charitable events, the University of Drake has offered me a Presidential Scholarship. Every cent I receive is greatly appreciated, but what they are willing to give me pays a little less than a third of my expenses. My hope is to go to a small school, such as Drake, and study Pre-Law. My brother is the most important person to me, and I want to make right what my mother, unknowingly, did to us. When I graduate, I am going to become a Guardian ad Litem.

By becoming this attorney for underprivileged children, I hope to be successful in my goal. Unknowingly, my grandfather is my inspiration. He was the first man in my life to have and hold a job. He took me in and treated me like his own child. I am thankful to him for all of this. I know that I don't tell him that I love him as much as I should, but he knows that I appreciate all that he and his job has done for me.