Towne Park Announces 2011 Valentine Scholar

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Towne Park and The Foundation are pleased to announce the 2011 recipient of the Valentine Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship has been awarded to Debebe Theodros of Orlando, FL.  Debebe will receive $10,000 in tuition assistance for the 2011/2012 academic year.

The Foundation received 44 eligible applications for the Valentine Memorial Scholarship for the 2011/2012 academic year.  Based on the applicant pool, the scholarship was awarded to the applicant who: (1) is in good academic standing, (2) embodied the ideal Valentine Scholar, and, (3) demonstrated a financial need.

Debebe Theodros is a Towne Park Guest Service Associate at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, FL and has been employed with Towne Park since March 2008.  

About the 2011 Valentine Scholar Debebe Theodros
Debebe is currently attending the University of Florida in Gainesville.  He’s admirably pursuing a degree in biochemistry and is on a pre-medical track.  He recognizes “the road to becoming a physician is arduous” and envisions himself “as either a neurosurgeon, cardiovascular, or trauma surgeon” in 10 years.  It is his dream “to help people on a daily basis” and he even imagines himself “pioneering new surgical techniques.”

In addition to parking cars part-time at the Gaylord Palms Resort and his busy, demanding school schedule, Debebe manages to find time to volunteer and participate in many activities.  For instance, he’s currently a research assistant at the College of Veterinary Medicine, member of the Gainesville Dojo Boxing Team, and enjoys competing in the Warrior Dash.  In addition, he’s also an accomplished musician.

Account Manager Rodney Gibson had this to share about Debebe Theodros:

“I’m so proud of Debebe and his accomplishments.  He’s so worthy of the Valentine Memorial Scholarship.  I have no doubt that he will represent this scholarship well.  Debebe is such a great young man and is the type of person you hope your children will grow up to be.” -Rodney Gibson, Account Manager, Gaylord Palms Resort

About the Valentine Memorial Scholarship
The Valentine Memorial Scholarship was created by The Foundation (formerly The Check Foundation) and Towne Park to honor the memory of Robert James Valentine, a colleague, friend and one of The Foundation’s largest supporters.

Part of Bob’s passion in life was teaching others what he learned, developing people’s talents and strengths, and encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations.  This scholarship was created to honor Bob’s memory and passion for life.

Annually, The Foundation will award one student a $10,000 college tuition scholarship to be disbursed in equal installments per college semester.  Based on eligibility, The Foundation will continue to provide financial support during the recipients’ two- or four-year undergraduate program.  During their college tenure, a student could receive up to $40,000 in tuition assistance from the Valentine Memorial Scholarship Fund.  By 2012, The Foundation envisions providing assistance to four college students through the Valentine Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Our Valentine Scholars
Debebe Theodros is the third recipient of the scholarship.  Our 2010 Valentine Scholar is David South of Fort Worth, Texas (although they share the same last name, David South is not related to Jerry South, founder of Towne Park).  The first scholarship was awarded in 2009 to Jesse Burke of Silver Spring, Maryland.  Both David and Jesse have maintained their eligibility and continue to receive support from the foundation.

About The Foundation
Founded in 2004 as The Check Foundation, The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to serve and support the communities in which Towne Park associates live and work.  The Foundation’s charitable focus is to help children in need - specifically with education. We strive to support and contribute to other non-profit organizations providing educational resources, tutoring, learning disabilities instruction, special needs, and extraordinary educational programs.  The Foundation also provides emergency financial assistance to Towne Park associates in need as well as manages the Valentine Memorial Scholarship Fund.

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Towne Park is America's valet parking and parking management experts. On behalf of our 300 plus hotel and healthcare clients, we welcome thousands of guests and patients every day from coast to coast. We are driven to serve with excellence in all we do.