Working hard throughout your college years pays off in more ways than one. Erin Bennett, the daughter of Doug Bennett, Regional Sales Representative for Target Specialty Products, found this to be true when she was informed that she would be one of the recipients of the company’s scholarship program. Erin, a Missouri State University senior will graduate this year with a Bachelors in Exercise & Movement Science with a Minor in Spanish and Psychology. She was thrilled to learn she would receive $5,000 through the scholarship program to help defray the high cost of her college education. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a selection committee made up of company employees. To be considered, the student must go above and beyond in the classroom, maintaining a 3.2 GPA or above.
This deserving scholarship recipient will be graduating Cum Laude and hopes to move onto Graduate School to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In addition to her school this past year Erin worked at Mercy Hospital as a Patient Care Associate. Despite her grueling schoolwork and side job she found time to work as a Resident Assistant in a residence hall. Erin is also the acting President of Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, Missouri State Chapter. She began her work with the society as a Public Affairs Chair of Phi Eta Sigma, working her way up to becoming Vice President and eventually President. While acting as Public Affairs Chair, Erin began a program called One Homeless Night where the society works with The Kitchen Inc. to raise awareness on campus about the homeless in the Springfield, MO area. The event has since been adopted as an annual event.
Erin also found time to give of herself to the community, volunteering for three years as a Coach for the Girls on the Run Program, an after school program for grade school-aged girls that help to instill in them positive life lessons, an appreciation for fitness and ultimately complete a 5K run.
“The scholarship allowed me to take out less money in loans this year so it was a big help. I was able to stop working and finish my last semester strong by concentrating on getting the certifications I needed to graduate. It has been a blessing,” concluded Erin.
The entire Target Specialty Products team is proud of Erin Bennett’s scholastic success and wishes her much luck as she moves onto Graduate School to complete her studies. We know her Dad is quite proud of her achievements.