With all their hard work, one nationally-recognized eatery looks to give back to its employees.
The Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton branch recently unveiled their 2017 Leadership Scholarship recipients Tuesday afternoon. Employees that received awards include Steath Daugherty (East Tennessee State University), Kevin Carr (Emmanuel Seminary), Kelsey McNeil (Tusculum College), Noah Hatfield (East Tennessee State University), Alyssa Irmeger (East Tennessee State University) and Emily Hodge (East Tennessee State University).
Unveiled Sept. 16, 2016, Chick-fil-A announced a new initiative to double the company’s investment in Team Members’ college educations – providing $4.9 million in scholarships in 2017 alone, as well as tuition discounts and other benefits are over 70 colleges and universities nationwide.
Each of the six workers at the Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton received $2,500 to assist with costs for their school. The scholarships are awarded to Team Members based on “leadership, academic achievement and community involvement,” according to the restaurant and employees have a chance to reapply each year.
Being able to work for a company that enjoys giving back to employees is something Tommy Tipton, owner and operator of the Elizabethton store, said he enjoyed about being with Chick-fil-A. The owner praised the efforts of his workers and stated that they deserved the recognition.
“These six that got these scholarships … they’ve been able to show their leadership skills and business leadership,” Tipton said. “They’re just solid folks overall, and that’s what we look for at Chik-fil-A. We want people that come in and really want to develop their talents. This is a chance for them to work, go to school and prepare them for their future. These scholarships can help with the cost of colleges.”