MPS announced the 2014 recipients of the MPS scholarships, awarded through the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (“GAAS”). MPS awarded a record, seven scholarships this year
The recipient of the $2,500 MPS International Aftermarket Scholarship is Cody Baum from Northwood University, Michigan Campus. His dream career is to work on the performance side of the aftermarket and possibly own a NAPA franchise, or a performance parts and service shop.
The six recipients of the $1,000 scholarships were Skyler Badertscher, Matthew Bisbee, Sara Mohon, Jordan Schaller, Sophie Habas and Naomi Rivas.
- Skyler Badertscher currently owns a small business, buying, rebuilding and selling used engines and transmissions. His goal is to grow the business and one day volunteer in his local community.
- Matthew Bisbee is a United States Army veteran. Encouraged by his employer to go back to school and get his certification in auto body repair and automotive service technology, he hopes to one day own the shop where he is currently employed.
- Sara Mohon will concentrate her PhD research on the diagnostics and prognostics of automotive battery packs for electric and hybrid cars. Her goal is to work for or create a battery management company in the aftermarket segment.
- Jordan Schaller is in the National Technical Honor Society and Vice President of Central Forsyth’s Skill USA Club. He is interested in pursuing a career in mechanics, whether that be as a mechanical engineer or in fabrication and design.
- Sophie Habas is her class Valedictorian. Her goal is to become an owner of a group of NAPA Auto Parts stores.
- Naomi Rivas is the winner of the inaugural MPS SPARK Initiative scholarship. Developed by the MPS senior management team, the SPARK Initiative’s purpose is to ignite deeper interest in the Automotive Care Industry among the next generation of technical and executive professionals. She plans to continue working in the PR/Marketing sector of the Automotive Aftermarket and to eventually become a Marketing Manager or Director.
MPS Vice President Ira Davis commented, “The 2014 applicants are all outstanding. Each possess enormous potential to make substantive contributions to the future of our industry.”
