At the Annual Member Meeting held at the Tropicana in Atlantic City on Wednesday, October 4th, the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA) announced the winners of the 5th Annual Scholarship Awards for 2023. The program was developed to promote higher education goals of our members, and their families, whether it be to pursue a college degree or a trade certification. The Scholarship Program is funded by fundraising efforts. This year, GNJMA held their Annual Golf Outing on October 3rd to benefit the program.
The winners for 2023 are Angela Nicolau, nominated by Allied Member Motor Coach Industries, Inc. and Karen Potter nominated by Operator Member DATTCO, Inc. Each received a check in the amount of $1,500 and a plaque. Accepting on their behalf were Steve Weiss and Pam Martinez.
Those eligible to apply for scholarships are full-time employees or the dependent children of full-time employees of Operator Member companies. Also eligible are the employees of Allied Members companies or the dependent children of the Allied Member companies.
The eligible employee of a GNJMA member company, must have been employed for at least one year by January 1 in the year in which the scholarships are awarded. Also, those eligible to apply must already be registered to a full-time college, professional school, or trade school in the previous fall or at the time of application. They must also hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 or if a professional school, the equivalent of a B grade.
Tim Stout, president of GNJMA, congratulated the winners and thanked the Scholarship Committee members for their volunteerism.
Excerpts from Angela and Karen’s applications:
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Angela Nicolau:
 “I plan to achieve my Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a secondary degree in Environmental Engineering. UW, Platteville offers a 5-Year combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree, which one must qualify for after their first year. My goal is to work hard so I can be admitted into this program and finish my higher education in a shorter amount of time. While at college, I plan to be a member of the Women in STEM club, find an internship position, and join recreational clubs for fun.
After graduation, I would love to find a career with a company that shares my desire to help people, especially those with physical limitations, to be able to travel and see the world with convenience and simplicity. I want to grow within my career and industry in leadership, perhaps by owning a business that would advance women in this traditionally man's field; and be an advocate for the improvement of travel and transportation so that all people be able to enjoy their life to the fullest.”
A quote from Angela, post-acceptance of her award:
"I would like to personally thank you, all of the associates of the GNJMA association, and the generous contributions from fundraisers for the honor of receiving this year's scholarship.
Currently I am studying at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and this endowment will greatly help me continue on with my education. Pursuing my dreams would not be possible without your help, and I cannot thank you enough. Thank you once again for the award and the beautiful plaque, which I will be proudly displaying!"
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Karen Potter:
 “My goals are to graduate from Florida Atlantic Technical College and start interning with a local court reporting agency. I will then work and train to pass my CSR and RPR so that I can work in any state.
I trained to get my commercial driver’s license and became a bus driver so that I could support myself and my family while going to school.
My career plans after graduation are to work as a court reporter in either a courthouse or work for a court reporting agency taking depositions.”
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***The GNJMA is a group of leaders in the motorcoach, tour and travel industries that represent bus operators and owners in the northeast region. The association works in cooperation with industry associations, local, state, and federal agencies, legislators, vendors, attractions, and destinations to promote the betterment and welfare of the motorcoach industry, their members, and association objectives. The association takes proactive steps in promoting safety in the motorcoach industry by sponsoring safety workshops for bus drivers, driver excellence award programs, inspection workshops, scholarship program and industry professional awards. For more information visit www.gnjma.com or contact Patricia Cowley, Executive Director 908-750-4538 pcowley@gnjma.com***