Melz Is Stoked Stonewater Roofing Is Investing in These Students’ Futures

As a parent myself, I know how expensive education can be and how our youth thrives when adult mentors encourage and invest in them. So I was pretty excited to see Stonewater Roofing award FOUR $1,000 scholarships to students in Tyler and Longview.

I could just see the pride in their faces and the excitement in their voices as they interacted with the local entrepreneurs and accepted their scholarships. Stonewater Roofing originally had planned to award two scholarships but had such a hard time picking just two students from all the submissions — so their friends at GAF, Infinity Marketing and M. Roberts Digital chipped in so they could double their awards.

So, let me introduce these four young adults with bright futures to you, too. (Please send your applause across the internet):

Braden Nickel

This Longview High School graduate is planning to major in computer science this fall at Louisiana Tech. He's passionate about technology because creativity is only limited by imagination. Stonewater Roofing's leaders were impressed with his:

• Great Personality: He has an infectious smile and delightful sense of humor.
• Innovation: He's keeping an eye on the future.
• Courage: He's heading out of state for college.

Lanie Pritchett

This Gilmer High School graduate is following in her mother's footsteps to major in musical theatre at ETBU this fall. Inspired by her mom and theatre teacher, she performs at church and wants to create music and art that inspires others and gives them hope. She's already won a best actress award at a district theatre competition. Stonewater Roofing's leaders were impressed with her:

• Family First Attitude: She wanted to follow her passion while staying close to sibling activities.
• Courage: She knowns she has ambitious goals but she has a distinct plan for achieving them.
• Community: She genuinely cares about helping others through art.
• Great Personality: Her confidence shines in so much of what she does.

Christopher Whitmore

This Tyler Legacy High School graduate is majoring in civil engineering at Texas A&M this fall after learning quite a bit about the field already. Inspired by LEGO, he's already interned and shadowed professionals in the field and wants to become a construction project manager. He designed a drainage filtration system at Hood Packaging. Stonewater Roofing leaders obviously loved his goals and could tell he's on the right path, but they also were impressed with his:

• Attitude: He clearly represents Stonewater Roofing's core values.
• Efficiency: He has made a big impact during a short internship.
• Innovation: He has already shown an ability to develop new ideas.
• Community: He's dedicated to working on projects that make a difference.

Jayla Gipson

This Tyler High School is attending UT-Arlington this fall with the long-term goal of owning her own interior design business, as she's interested in both business and real estate. She wants to be her own boss someday and enjoys seeing people happy after a sale. She's inspired by her grandmothers and wants to inspire others to take charge. Stonewater Roofing leaders were impressed with her:

• Courage: She embraces a fearless and positive attitude.
• Ambition: It's not always easy running a small business, but they know she can achieve her goal.
• Approach: She's very personable, a valuable trait in her dream field.
• Community: She hopes to give back to the community one day, like Stonewater Roofing is now.

Watching this scholarship program unfold truly is one of the things I like best about my job: I love seeing local businesses grow and give back to our community, especially if it involves helping youth reach their potential. Much congrats to the scholarship and much gratitude to Stonewater Roofing.