Second-Career Scholarships
awarded to Michael Smith
and Cynthia Wells
Funeral Director Hopefuls Receive Award to Continue Education
Wells, a widowed mother of three, will be entering her final semester in the Funeral Science Program at ASU Mountain Home in Mountain Home, AR. She recently became interested in the funeral home profession after a series of positive encounters with members of the funeral home industry.
“Receiving this scholarship means many things to me and my kids,” said Wells. “As I enter my final semester, this scholarship will assist with helping ease the financial burden of being a single mother and going to school. In addition, it has put a smile on my face because of the recognition and appreciation the Selected Educational Trust has shown for my hard work and gives me the courage to persevere. I am so appreciative and grateful.”
Wells currently is employed part-time at Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Mountain Home, AK. After graduation Wells hopes to turn her part-time position into a full-time job.
Smith, who began studying to become a funeral director in 2009, is currently attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL. Having been personally affected by the current economic crisis, Smith understands the importance of family businesses.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Selected Independent Funeral Home Educational Trust for the confidence they have placed in me,” Smith said. “By awarding me this distinguished honor, I have been able to further my education, and, having chosen the funeral profession as my second career, will use my life experiences to develop an enhanced sense of devotion, compassion and maturity, which I feel are essential to better meet the needs and expectations of bereaved families.”
Smith recently completed a twelve-month internship at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon, MI, and has worked at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home in Glenview, IL, as a student employee. Upon completion of his studies, Smith hopes to demonstrate the values and traditions that were passed on to him by the funeral directors with whom he has worked
See Also
Further Information on The Trust's Second-Career Scholarship
Other Funding Activities