American Water Announces Recipients of 2021 James LaFrankie Scholarship Awards

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE: AWK) announced the recipients of the 30^th Annual James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards, granting $1,000 scholarships to seven college-bound children of full-time employees. Chosen from 44 applicants, scholarship winners demonstrated strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The program, established in 1991, honors former president James LaFrankie, emphasizing education in water-related fields. This year, due to COVID-19, recipients can defer scholarships if their college plans are affected. American Water serves 15 million people across 46 states.

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• Seven scholarships awarded to children of employees highlight commitment to education.
• Program encourages interest in science and water-related industries.

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• None.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, today announced recipients of the 30^th Annual James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards. The awards were distributed nationwide to seven college-bound children of full-time American Water employees who demonstrate an interest in science and water-related industry occupational fields.

Out of 44 submitted applications, an independent, third-party organization selected seven of the high school seniors based on their outstanding high school records, academic honors, participation in extracurricular activities and teacher recommendations. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded for one year and may be renewed for up to three years based on the student’s academic progress.

“American Water is proud to award these scholarships to such extraordinary students who not only achieved the highest academic standards but also have an interest in science and water-related industry occupational fields,” said Melanie Kennedy, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We congratulate all of our winners and look forward to witnessing their success and the great things they will accomplish.”

The scholarship award recipients include:

• David DeRienzo, son of John DeRienzo, senior construction inspector for New York American Water.
• Shreya Dudeja, daughter of Anuradha Grover, senior marketing manager for American Water Resources.
• Elizabeth Hemmer, daughter of Brian Hemmer, assistant operator for Missouri American Water.
• Kamryn McDaniel, daughter of April Aldridge, paralegal for American Water.
• Meredith Purcell, daughter of Michael Purcell, supervisor of business performance for Pennsylvania American Water.
• Ava McDonough, daughter of Mark McDonough, senior vice president and president of New Jersey American Water.
• Jacob Stevens, son of Paul Stevens, maintenance production supervisor for Pennsylvania American Water.

The American Water Board of Directors established the scholarship program in 1991 in honor of former American Water president, James LaFrankie. LaFrankie demonstrated the value he placed on college education by earning a degree at Georgetown University night school while working days at the Alexandria Virginia Water Company, now known as Virginia American Water. After that, LaFrankie excelled, climbing the ladder to increasingly responsible positions over his 44-year career with American Water, retiring as the company’s president in 1991.

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this year’s scholarship recipients and our previous recipients have the option of deferring their scholarships if their college plans are impacted by the health emergency. Students who select this option can defer their scholarships for a year as long as they begin or return to college by the fall of 2022.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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FAQ

What is the James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards program by American Water?

The James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards program offers scholarships to children of full-time American Water employees who are pursuing college education, emphasizing science and water-related fields.

How much is each James V. LaFrankie scholarship worth?

Each James V. LaFrankie scholarship is worth $1,000 and can be renewed for up to three years based on academic progress.

How many applications were received for the James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards?

A total of 44 applications were submitted for the 30th Annual James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards.

What options do scholarship recipients have due to COVID-19?

Due to COVID-19, recipients have the option to defer their scholarships for one year if their college plans are affected.

Who established the James V. LaFrankie Scholarship program and when?

The scholarship program was established by the American Water Board of Directors in 1991 in honor of former president James LaFrankie.