PORTLAND, Ore. — The John M. Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund was started in 2004 to honor the legacy of John Shank, founder of Johnstone Supply Inc. 

“Mr. Shank was a strong believer in giving back to the people who contribute to the success of the company,” said Kim Cafferty, Johnstone owner and member of the scholarship fund’s board of directors. 

For the 2018-2019 academic year, 17 scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to students who are employees or children of employees of Johnstone Supply, studying in a variety of fields. For over 14 years, the scholarship fund, through donations by the Johnstone Supply membership, has supported students in easing the financial burden of higher education. 

Applications are reviewed by a third-party firm, Scholarship America, who has extensive experience in administering scholar-ship programs. The winners are chosen based on a review of grade point average, educational and career objectives, leadership/community contribution, and financial need.

Anna Tulley, a scholarship recipient who will be starting her first semester at Illinois State University this fall, remarked that the scholarship not only helps financially, but also inspirationally. 

“Thank you for your kindness and generosity," she said. "But most of all, thank you for this contribution to my future.”

Other scholarship recipients were: Reece Baker, University of Georgia; Jennifer Barnett, Central Michigan University; Kaylea Chrisman, Duquesne University; Caitlyn Conselyea, College of Saint Elizabeth; Rebecca Estes, Brigham Young University; Jake Flaks, Florida State University; Alexander Fox, Pennsylvania College of Technology; Jacqueline Godfrey-Quinton, Brigham Young University; Samantha Kaye, Stetson University; Danielle Keerbs, Washington State University; Sarah Klinect, University of Georgia; Abby Mason, Missouri State University; Latisha McCreary, Thomas Edison State University; Christopher Scheel, S.U.N.Y. Binghampton University, Ethan Yoo, Babson College; and Ryan Lowe, New York University. 

Publication date: 8/07/2018

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