During its reception at the Sands Expo Center on Tuesday, Oct. 30 in Las Vegas, Nev., the Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) presented Rebekah Shadowens with a $2,500 post-secondary scholarship, as part of the WB scholarship program, now in its 10th year. The Women’s Board also announced that in honor of her dedication and as a founding member of the WB, the top scholarship will immediately be named the Becky Babcox Women’s Board scholarship.
“The Women’s Board Education Committee received many applications from talented and deserving young women from across the country,” said WB President Ruth Ehlinger, AAIA. “I am thrilled to congratulate Rebekah on her accomplishments thus far, and her dedication to pursuing a career in the automotive industry.”
Shadowens attends Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas, where she is currently enrolled as a dual major for auto collision repair management and auto refinishing. In December, she will receive both certificates with plans to further her studies and receive her associate’s degree.
Shadowens is an active member of SkillsUSA, taking first place in the state competition and competing in the national competition this year, and has consistently placed on the president’s list at her school for exceptional grades. In the future, she would like to work for NASCAR or own a shop featuring collision repair and custom motorcycle refinishing and repair.
“I really want to do it all. For me, the sky is the limit and I have a determination to ‘set the world on fire’ and show women everywhere that times are changing and we can do anything we set our minds to through hard work, self-motivation and ambition,” said Shadowens. “This scholarship greatly helps me further my studies and get by as a woman supporting myself alone. I cannot thank the WB enough.”
This year, the Women’s Board gave a record $10,500 in scholarships.
Hala Elbarmil of Annandale, Va.; Ashley Forrest of Kenosha, Wis.; and Stephanie Mitschell of Lansing, Mich., received $2,000 scholarships. Haley Hansen, Ogden, Utah, and Jasmine Swafford, Billings, Mont., received $1,000 scholarships.
