MILTON — The Ascend Cares Foundation has awarded $2,000 scholarships to three Santa Rosa County students.
The foundation, a non-profit organization managed and funded by Ascend Performance Materials, awarded 23 scholarships this summer to children of its employees in Florida, Alabama and Texas. Applicants were required to have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average and have demonstrated a record of community service.
Santa Rosa County’s three winners include:
●Zachary Womack of Milton, 18, a graduate of Milton High School. Zachary was a defensive lineman on the school’s football team. Outside school, he volunteered with Christian Life Church Youth Group, Waterfront Rescue Mission and the Ronald McDonald House. He plans to attend the University of West Florida in the fall. Zachary’s parents are Valeria and Jeffery Womack. Jeffery Womack is a mechanic at the Ascend Performance Materials plant in Cantonment.
●Shelby Willett of Milton, 19, a junior at the University of Mobile. Shelby majors in elementary education and is a member of the school’s softball team. She is a graduate of Milton High School and has gone on several mission trips with Hickory Hammock Baptist Church in Milton. Shelby’s parents are Phillip and Casey Willett. Phillip Willett is a mechanic at the Ascend Performance Materials Plant in Cantonment.
●Cortni Cameron of Pace, 18, a graduate of Pace High School. In school, Cortni was a member of the Beta Club, the Rotary Club, the weight lifting team and was a cheerleader. Outside school, she was a coach at the Pace Athletic Recreational Association. She plans to attend Pensacola State College in the fall semester and major in biochemistry. Cortni’s parents are Chastity and Todd Cameron. Todd Cameron is a processor at the Ascend Performance Materials plant in Cantonment.
“We believe that part of being a good company means being good to our team members, their families and our community,” said Rachell Gold, executive director of the Ascend Cares Foundation. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in these dedicated young people, and wish them the best as they further their education.”
Ascend Performance Materials produces chemicals and nylon resin. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has approximately 3,500 full-time and contract personnel, including 1,200 in Cantonment.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 3 Santa Rosa students awarded scholarships