One local student received an extra bit of help for her schooling at East Tennessee State University.
A.O. Smith Corporation announced Monday they awarded MacKenzie Schaffner of Roan Mountain the A.O. Smith Corporation Merit Scholarship for the 2016-17 school year.
“This is an annual scholarship we’ve given out over the years,” Charles S. Wright, Director of Corporate Communications, said.
Schaffner is one of 26 students, sons or daughters, of A.O Smith employees to receive this year’s award. MacKenzie is the daughter of John and Amy Schaffner. Her father is an employee with the A.O. Smith plant in Johnson City.
“It is always great to give back to the community,” Wright said. “We appreciate our employees and we want to show our support for their children as they further their education.”
Schaffner is beginning her sophomore year at ETSU, majoring in mass communications. According to a release issued provided by A.O. Smith, the native was named to the Dean’s list in the fall semester of 2015 and spring of 2016. Schaffner is also a member of Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society and the Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society.
Along with staying busy on campus, Schaffner is an alumna of the Tennessee Governor’s School of the Arts for Filmmaking. She wrote, directed and produced a narrative short film as a PSA for the Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library.
The A.O. Smith Merit Scholarship is open to children of employees in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, China and India. To be considered, a student must be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or vocational school program. The scholarships are awarded annually and renewed up to three years or until a student earns their bachelor’s degree.