Staff Reports
A Columbus student is one of three nationwide to receive a $10,000 college scholarship from wireless retailer TCC as part of its Big Impact program.
Jared Swaim, 14, a freshman at Columbus East High School, was among 140,000 students nationwide who became eligible for the scholarship after receiving a backpack full of school supplies given away by TCC and Wireless Zone stores in their annual School Rocks Backpack giveaway.
Jared is considering pursuing a career as a welder or following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a machinist/tool and die maker. He and his family said the $10,000 scholarship will open up more opportunities for his future.
“We were very excited to learn that Jared was the winner for this scholarship as it will allow him further opportunities that may not have been available before,” said his grandmother, Jo Ann Swaim. “This generous gift from TCC provides us some flexibility in planning Jared’s future, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”
Since the beginning of the initiative in 2013, more than 1.2 million backpacks full of school supplies have been given to students. Students in three select store regions who received a backpack at a local backpack giveaway event were eligible to win a $10,000 college scholarship.
“TCC is thrilled to provide college scholarships to students in an effort to alleviate some of the ever-rising costs associated with education,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room, LLC, parent company of TCC and Wireless Zone. “We hope this serves as a stepping stone for Jared’s bright future and provides financial relief for his family.”
