Bristol Celebrates the 2024 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship Winners
Bristol, Tennessee was buzzing with excitement on Friday as it witnessed a very special moment for the 2024 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship winners. Two exceptional students, Trea’zur Cassidy and Hannah Kelsheimer, were awarded this scholarship, which aims to support aspiring communications professionals in their educational journey.
A Dream Meeting with a Racing Legend
The highlight of the day came when both Trea’zur and Hannah had the incredible opportunity to meet none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself. They met him just before he strutted his stuff on stage during the driver introductions at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, held at the famous Bristol Motor Speedway, also known as The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.
Trea’zur Cassidy: A Passion for Communications
Trea’zur Cassidy is a senior at Science Hill High School, and she’s gearing up for a bright future in communications. With aspirations in journalism, advertising, or even film production, Trea’zur is making waves in her community. Aside from her academic efforts, she volunteers at LXI, a Christ-centered after-school program for teens, which reflects her commitment to helping others. Trea’zur also juggles a part-time job at Chuck E. Cheese, demonstrating her hard work and determination. Recently, she participated in the Upward Bound program at East Tennessee State University, further honing her skills and experiences.
Hannah Kelsheimer: Venturing into Motorsports Marketing
Meanwhile, Hannah Kelsheimer is carving her path as a motorsports marketing major at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Her goals stretch across the vibrant world of professional motorsports, where she hopes to dive into social media management or digital content creation for drivers, tracks, or sponsors. With her ambitions and focus, Hannah is not just a fan but a future professional in the thrilling field of motorsports.
The Significance of the Scholarship
The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship was created in 2017 as a retirement gift to the NASCAR Hall of Famer himself. Each winner receives a one-time payment of $2,088 to assist with college costs, covering tuition, housing, books, and supplies. It’s not just a financial boost; it’s a recognition of hard work, dedication, and the desire to succeed in the world of communications and motorsports.
Past Scholarship Recipients
Since its inception, the scholarship has touched the lives of many talented students, including past winners like Jaicee Weaver in 2018, Jace Ketron in 2019, and Caleb James Cate in 2021. The tradition continued with recipients last year: Jamie Sullivan of UNOH and Caleb Kent from Happy Valley High School in Watauga, Tennessee.
Eligibility for Aspiring Winners
To be in the running for this fantastic opportunity, students must either be high school seniors from designated local high schools or individuals attending certain colleges and universities in the Appalachian Highlands region surrounding the Bristol Motor Speedway. This also includes students at the speedway’s partner institution, UNOH in Lima, Ohio.
A Day to Remember
As Trea’zur and Hannah celebrated their achievements, it was clear that their hard work truly paid off. They not only stepped into the spotlight for their academic and professional aspirations but also created memories that would last a lifetime by sharing a moment with a racing legend. The energy surrounding the scholarship program is palpable, and it continues to inspire future students.
