Aug. 9, 2016—The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced Monday that four Gold medalists from the SkillsUSA national competition are being awarded $1,250 tool scholarships from the SCRS and the March Taylor Memorial Fund (MTMF).
Top honors at the high school level went to Benjamin Falconer, Greeley, Colo., for Automotive Refinishing Technology; and Alan Zimmerman, Tiffin, Ohio, for Collision Repair Technology. Top honors for the post secondary level went to Wyatt Knick, Ypsilanti, Mich., for Automotive Refinishing Technology; and Daniel Dwyer, Cortland, Ill., for Collision Repair Technology.
The scholarships will be made available in the form of credit with Snap-on.
"The shortage of emerging technical staff entering our field is one of the greatest challenges facing our industry," SCRS chairman Andy Dingman, said. "It's important to us at SCRS to recognize those who are taking an interest in this line of work, and striving to be the best in their class. We want to do everything possible to make sure that hard-working young technicians find their way to a rewarding career in the industry."
"I've watched this industry grow and develop," MTMF trustee Jeff Hendler, said. "The complexity of the vehicles we fix is unparalleled, and as an elder in the industry, it's rewarding to see young men and women who strive for excellence and have a focus on developing their skillset. I know for certain that it would make March Taylor, the namesake of our memorial fund, very proud to see a younger generation of technicians in pursuit of excellence. We are proud to be a part of it, and hope it encourages more to participate."