Sumner car dealers announce scholarship through Sumner Rotary

Two local car dealers have pledged $5,000 per year to award to a deserving student or students in the Sumner School District who plan to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Don Gillis of Riverside Ford and Phil Mitchell of Sunset Chevrolet established the Sumner Automobile Association (SAA) scholarship in conjunction with Sumner Rotary, through Sumner Rotary’s Community Service Partnership. In addition to the annual monetary award, the program also includes career guidance and a potential career opportunity.

The partnership will award the scholarship each spring, beginning in 2016. Eligible fields of study for any student wishing to apply for the scholarship include salesmanship, auto mechanics, accounting or finance, customer service or any other related field approved by the SAA. Other benefits may specifically include part-time employment, paid or unpaid internships and post-education employment.

“We are very excited about this unique partnership with Mr. Gillis and Mr. Mitchell,” said Sam Suznevich, a Sumner Rotary member who helped establish the scholarship. “Vocational careers serve a very real purpose in our community, and we look forward to identifying deserving recipients among our local students.”

Sumner Rotary will administer the selection process, in partnership with the Sumner/Bonney Lake Education Foundation. The group will publicize the application process as details are finalized.

Local businesses interested in partnering with Sumner Rotary for scholarships, community-service projects or other activities may contact Kyle Hardtke, 253-380-8381 or email kyle@evergreengroundworks.com.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 9:56 AM with the headline "Sumner car dealers announce scholarship through Sumner Rotary."