Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw proudly announced the recipients of the 2024 Bulldog Legacy Scholarships during the senior scholarship ceremonies at East Palestine High School on Friday. Shaw presented the awards to four deserving East Palestine seniors: Joshua Bland, Jasmine Ludt, Leila Martin, and Mackenzie Parker.
Established last year with a generous personal contribution of $445,000 from Shaw, the Bulldog Legacy Scholarship aims to provide ongoing support to students by creating an endowment that generates income to sustain scholarships annually. Each recipient received $1,000 initially and is eligible for up to $4,000 throughout their secondary education, contingent upon maintaining academic excellence.
This year’s winners, all continuing their education in Ohio, exemplify academic achievement and community engagement. Mackenzie Parker will pursue nursing at Kent State University at Salem, Jasmine Ludt will major in exercise science at Baldwin Wallace University, Joshua Bland will study civil and construction engineering technology at Youngstown State University, and Leila Martin will embark on pre-law studies at the University of Akron.
Norfolk Southern emphasizes its commitment to East Palestine’s future, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s train derailment, by investing in the education of local students. According to a press release from Norfolk Southern, the selected recipients were chosen for their academic prowess, leadership qualities, and dedication to community betterment.
To qualify for the Bulldog Legacy award, students must submit an application, be a high school senior at East Palestine High School, plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited institution, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients are selected by Scholarship America based on various criteria, including academic record, leadership experience, community service, and personal circumstances, with no involvement from Norfolk Southern personnel.
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients also receive a North Face backpack and MacBook Air as part of the award package.
