DutchCrafters Congratulates 2014 Heritage Scholars

SARASOTA, Fla. - July 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Sarasota, FL, July 7th, 2014 — DutchCrafters, an online retailer of Amish handmade furniture and home goods, announced the three winners of it’s Heritage Scholarship (http://www.dutchcrafters.com/heritage-scholarship) today. Two newly-minted high-school graduates and one enrolled college student each accepted a $500 grant to continue their education at the institution of their choice. Award selection criteria included grade point average, a statement of financial need, and an outstanding 750-word essay on the important role that their heritage will continue to play in shaping their education and career.

The winners:

Ryan Ulrich, who plans to major in Environmental Studies at Franklin & Marshall this coming fall. Ryan bases his future endeavors on the principle of Tikkun olan, or 'repair the world.' This ancient principle guides him toward a career in environmental policy, where he hopes to "craft policies to help perfect the world."

        Taylor Veasley, who hopes to study Political Science at Vassar this September. Taylor applies her fascination with and knowledge of African history and its monumental leaders to her future goals, allowing their determination and grace to "prepare [her] for leadership." She strives to "carry their faces and voices" throughout her undergraduate studies, and into law school, where she aims to make a lasting difference.

        Chris Zegarra, who will continue his studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah. Chris seeks to emulate his exceptional father in social, educational and career ethics as he pursues a degree that will allow him to "make more efficient and comfortable the lives of others." Through his learned creativity and perseverance, Chris believes that he, too, can improve his community.

According to Jim Miller, founder and CEO of DutchCrafters and its parent company JMX Brands,

“Today, perhaps more than ever, it is crucial that our young people have access to the education they need -- not just for their futures, but for ours. In order for America to thrive in the coming years, we need to invest in young people’s ideas, innovations, creativity, and most certainly in the application of their diverse personal histories.”

Established in 2012, the DutchCrafters Heritage Scholarship has now awarded more than $6,000 to deserving, accomplished students attending colleges across the country, studying in an impressive array of disciplines. The scholarship continues to underline DutchCrafters’ belief that cultural heritage can positively shape vocational experiences; offering creative value to employers and stressing the value of community service.