When it comes to working at Border Foods, one thing’s for sure: We’re about more than just making tacos (although let’s admit it, our tacos are pretty dang tasty). This month marked the inaugural unveiling of the Border Foods and Carol Williams Scholarship recipients — an event that took our scholars by complete surprise as Border leaders traveled to a few locations to deliver checks and celebrate with friends and family.
The scholarships were created in tandem as a way to help Border Foods team members reach higher education goals. The Carol Williams Scholarship carries extra special meaning as it celebrates the memory, passion and dedication of Carol — the founder of our family culture — who passed away last year (watch a quick clip about the scholarship).
“We’re so grateful to see this scholarship come to fruition,” said Krysta Corrigan, Carol’s daughter, about the Carol Williams Scholarship. “My mom had a huge heart for her employees. She would be honored and so thankful to know that she had an opportunity to impact their lives outside of Border Foods.”
Scholarship applications opened in the spring with a few requirements to apply. Recipients needed to be actively pursuing secondary education and have been employed for at least six months, averaging an 18-hour work week (as of the application deadline). After we received applications, we worked with International Scholarship and Tuition Services (a third-party vendor) to help us make recipient decisions.
“When we sat down to develop this scholarship, we did it with one goal in mind: to provide a resource for you to further your education,” Lee Engler, CEO, said in a family letter to scholars. “With a mission to Make Lives Better, we truly feel like this gift will do just that.”
Congratulations to these Carol Williams scholars, each receiving $5,500:
- Wyatt Plavan – Greenville, MI
- Ian Herman – Fitchburg, WI
- Daejynae Sumrell – Gains, MI
Congratulations to these Border Foods scholars, each receiving $3,000:
- Brianna Talaska – Allendale, MI
- Brittney Jordan – Casper, WY
- Tommy Holloway – Cloquet, MN
- Ryan Little – Middleton, WI
- Kevin Hegna – Buffalo, MN
I know that I need an education in order to better myself and better my family,” said scholar Tommy Holloway. “Thank you for believing in me.”