The Bendix team is proud to announce the winners of The Passion That Drives You Scholarship contest.
• David I., Hickory, NC, NASCAR Technical Institute
• James M., Glendale, AZ, Universal Technical Institute
• Jinhun K., Thornton, CO, Westwood College – Denver North
• Jody Anne G., Orlando, FL, Universal Technical Institute
• Johna H., Cumberland, MD, Allegany College of Maryland
• Sam S., Maple Park, IL, Waubonsee Community College 
• Victor L., Orlando, FL, School TBD
• William K., Falls Church, VA, NASCAR Technical Institute
“The response to this program was absolutely incredible,” said Jim Kelley, Director of Sales, North America for Friction Materials LLC. “
"The fact that almost 500 young men and women took the time to write essays and share their dreams truly speaks to the passion that drives our industry. We’re excited to be able to offer our eight winners financial assistance as they pursue their career goals.”
The entrants’ responses were judged by a panel of industry peers, including editors from leading trade publications, such as Tomorrow’s Technician, as well as three specially selected national career tech school teachers.
All bias content (names of entrants, schools attending, etc.) was removed prior to judging.
About the Contest
The scholarship contest ran from Sept. 22 to Dec. 1, 2009 and asked participants to answer three questions regarding their passion for vehicles.
1. What makes you passionate about cars?
2. Why do you want to enter the field of automotive maintenance?
3. Why is attending a CareerTech School so important to you?
Each entry was unique, with personal stories, aspirations and goals highlighting each response. This small excerpt from one of the winner’s essays is a great example:
“I am amazed at the subtle as well as the drastic changes in design which make each vehicle perform a specific function. I stand in awe when I look at the enormous amount of energy it takes for a semi-truck to haul its load down the road.
I look at the complex suspension systems in the family car that allow an infant to sleep while on a road trip to visit grandma and grandpa. These everyday machines are indispensable; they are my passion.
Dragsters and other souped-up cars and trucks are great to look at and play with. However, my passion is to make sure the day-to-day events happen.”
The Bendix team thanks all of the contest’s entrants and judges for their time and looks forward to another successful program in 2010.
For more information, log on to www.bendixbrakes.com.
Note: for the original release announcing the contest, click here.