Rent-to-own News - APRO's first ever scholarship award contest narrows to five

Five finalists have moved one step closer to claiming APRO's first ever annual college scholarship award.

The candidates, who submitted essays for the contest, are vying for a $2,000 college scholarship made available through the non-profit APRO Scholarship Foundation. Finalists were chosen earlier this month by a preliminary selection committee and must be an employee or customer of an APRO member rent-to-own company or an immediate relative of either.

In alphabetical order, the finalists are Jonathan Brown, 24, Jeffrey Herman, 19, Robin Walker, 18, Mark Anthony Windsor, 27, and Penny Wyatt, 40.

Jonathan Brown

Brown, an employee of Best Way in Tappahannock, Virginia, was APRO's 2007 employee of the year. He is currently attending Rappahannock Community College where he is earning an associate degree in business administration. Brown plans to own his own business someday.

"I know it's not an education or a degree that makes a business successful, it takes heart and hard work," Brown writes in his essay. "However, these are the tools I already have and I need your help to get the education that is needed to bring my goal full circle."

Herman, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the son of Rent-A-Center employee Fred Herman. He is currently enrolled at Louisiana State University where he is majoring in international trade and finance and is a member of the LSU Tiger Marching Band.

Jeffrey Herman

"This scholarship would be used towards my everyday living needs as I do not have any extra income," Herman writes. "In addition it would help ease the financial burden on my parents who are still financially responsible for my two siblings and would further establish my independence."

Walker, of Paris, Tennessee, is the daughter of PMB Rentals Operations Manager Bo Walker. She is an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi where she plans to major in pre-med and pursue a career as a pediatrician. Walker is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers with local organizations.

Robin Walker

"I believe it is imperative to my future to further my learning beyond my high school degree," Walker writes. "I am seeking a higher education in order to give back to my community and family for all the opportunities and guidance they have given me throughout the years."

Windsor, of Moberly, Missouri, is the son of National TV Sales and Rental owners Mark and Kathy Windsor. He is currently enrolled in Central Christian College of the Bible where he is majoring in religious studies. Windsor works as a 4-H instructor and at a Christian Youth Home.

Mark Anthony Windsor

"By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my studies, retain my grade point average so I can graduate with honors and still be able to focus on serving others," Windsor writes. "I know that service is the main focus of the rent-to-own industry, and I want to spend the rest of my life serving the children of our future." 

Penny Wyatt

Wyatt is a sales assistant at the Show-Me Rent-to-Own in Farmington, Missouri. She is currently enrolled in Mineral Area College where she is obtaining a pre-business administration associate degree.

"I feel its never too late to better yourself," Wyatt writes. "I feel this scholarship would greatly help me overcome some of the financial hardships endured being a single full time college student and mother. I look to further advance my career and employment in the rent-to-own industry."

The APRO Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors will determine the contest winner and will make the decision in early April.

The winning recipient will receive $1,000 immediately upon selection with the other $1,000 presented after completion of one semester with a 3.0 GPA or better.

After only two years in existence, the APRO Scholarship Foundation has raised over $70,000 toward its $100,000 permanent fund goal, which will generate $5,000 in annual interest toward future scholarship awards.

mevans@rtohq.org