Locals receive scholarships

A pair of Angelina College automotive students has seen their hard work and dedication come to fruition in the form of prestigious scholarships awarded for outstanding students in the Automotive Technology field.

Michael Wagner of Nacogdoches recently received the Al Meyer Ford Scholarship; and Diboll's Nick Hatthorn received the Gibbs Scholarship.

“It's one of those things where you find that one or two students in your class who have the ability to excel, and they have the self-discipline to do what they're supposed to do,” Nabbs said. “They both got the basic information and basic skills so that they can go out to any automotive dealership or independent shop and grow in that shop by gaining more skill and knowledge and becoming successful in the business.

“These are two very deserving young men.”

Both Wagner and Hatthorn have expressed their desire to continue training and working in their chosen fields. According to Nabbs, the internship program in which the Automotive program participates is a huge factor in guaranteeing job placement and future success. That program allows students to work at local dealerships and shops as part of their class load.

“Since the inception of our internship program six years ago, the percentage of students finding jobs immediately has increased dramatically,” Nabbs said. “We definitely owe a debt of gratitude to the participating dealerships and independent shops that have helped make this program so successful.”

Wagner is a 2005 graduate of Nacogdoches High School and the son of Stephen and Lynn Wagner of Nacogdoches.

“I've been in the program since the beginning of the fall semester,” Wagner said. “This scholarship motivated me to excel, and it's going to help pay my bills.”

Hatthorn graduated from Diboll High School in 2006. He is the son of Vernie and Cindy Hatthorn of Diboll.

“I wanted to learn all the basics of becoming a better automotive technician, and I've learned everything in this (the AC Automotive) program I expected to learn,” Hatthorn said. “This scholarship will help me pay off my college expenses. It's a really nice thing to have happen, just because it's so tough out here when you're trying to make it on your own.”