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monthly news for Saia employees
September–October 2021

2021 Scholarship Program

Congratulations to this year's 20 winners of a Saia scholarship!

$5,000 Recipients

Price Conlee
Semmes, Alabama
Parent – MBL City Driver Jennings Conlee, Jr.

Price Conlee graduated this past May from Mary G. Montgomery High School in the top 10% of his class with both honors and a 4.188 GPA. He is currently attending the University of South Alabama where he plans on studying mechanical engineering. During his high school career, he was a student-athlete and a member of the National Honor Society, the student leadership program, and numerous clubs. His school counselor wrote, “His strong work ethic led him being able to juggle extracurricular activities, a job and advanced classes successfully. He has also shown that he understands the importance of giving back to his community by volunteering at local elementary schools and summer vacation Bible school programs.”

Kenechukwa Egbuonu
Grand Prairie, Texas
Parent - DLS Dockworker Ilochukwu Egbuonu

Kenechukwa Egbuonu completed his final academic year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this past spring with a 5.0 GPA, graduating with a bachelor’s dree in biology. Kenny currently is attending Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons where he is pursuing a medical degree. Beyond his involvement in several extracurricular activities and clubs, he “secured lead authorship on a manuscript published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases describing the merits of lower respiratory tract testing for COVID-19.” One of his professors said, “One of Mr. Egbuonu’s notable talents is to be able to extract from a complex set of information, the key information, and then succinctly communicate that information. This will undoubtedly serve him well as he develops his career in medicine.”

Isabel Flores
Whittier, California
Parent – LAX City Driver Jorge Flores

Isabel Flores graduated in June with a 4.29 GPA from Whittier Union High School where she, among other things, was a member of the National Honor Society and the California High School Puente Program, was both the junior and senior class vice president, and a student-athlete as part of the varsity girls’ water polo team. This fall, she began her studies at the University of California San Diego. According to her English and Puente teacher, Isabel has many wonderful qualities and has grown into a “compassionate young woman who no longer takes her intelligence for granted. She is prepared to do whatever is necessary to become an obstetrician/gynecologist.”

Paige Hill
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Parent – MPS Line Driver Tyrone Hill

This past May, Paige Hill graduated from Center Hill High School with a 4.19 GPA. She was involved in several extracurricular activities and was a member of the National Honor Society, the Art Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and more. She is now a freshman at Agnes Scott College where she is pursuing a degree in art history. Aside from stellar academics, her letter of recommendation said she “has answered the call of leadership time and time again and has proven her capacity for it by excelling, volunteering, and initiating numerous school-based and community activities.” Paige served as a civic youth leader with the Bridge Memphis program where she mentored young children and helped with community outreach initiatives.

Morgan Irvine
Orange, Texas
Parent – BMT Line Driver Rodney Davis

Now attending Lamar University where she is seeking a degree in English, Morgan Irvine graduated this past May with a 4.3 GPA from Bridge City High School. For her achievements, she was recognized with membership in the National Honor Society. In addition to academics, Morgan also was a member of the high school’s marching band, serving as the co-head drum major, along with concert band. Under her leadership, the Bridge City Band placed seventh in the University Interscholastic League State Marching Band Championship. According to the band director, she was “one of the most exceptional students (she’s) encountered in 19 years of education.”

Farelie Mendez
Roselle, New Jersey
Parent – NWK City Driver Faris Mendez-Contreras

Farelie Mendez graduated from Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in June with a 4.212 GPA. For her achievements, she was recognized with the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the AVID Elective Award. Aside from her busy academic career, she was a member of the Lion’s, book and dance clubs. She is now a pre-med student studying at Felician University in New Jersey. Her teacher said that she “is a student that resonates in my mind because of her unparalleled work ethic and absorption of knowledge. She is a special student that captures your attention, due to her attentive nature and polite attitude. She…improves a school community and has volunteered at many extracurricular events.”

Jackson Moody
Jackson, Tennessee
Parent – JAC Terminal Manager Jeff Moody

Last May, Jackson Moody graduated with a 4.5 GPA from Trinity Christian Academy where he was a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of multiple academic recognitions. From the ninth grade onward, he took several dual enrollment classes through different universities, accumulating 29 college credit hours. He was also involved in many extracurricular activities including a church league basketball team, the baseball team, and more. A dean from the University of Memphis said that “Jack’s service work as a student is varied and plentiful. While service may not be as relevant in an academic scholarship, it shows just how engaged and involved Jack has been in addition to his academic course of study at Trinity.”

Charleston Rainey, Jr.
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Parent – HMA City Driver Charleston Rainey, Sr.

Charleston Rainey, Jr. graduated in May with a 4.14 GPA from Ellender Memorial High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of several honors including an ACT Work Keys Gold award and a Medal of Excellence Top Patriot award. He also was received several senior superlatives including “Most Likely to Become President,” “Best Smile,” and “Most Dependable.” He was dually enrolled at Nicholls State University, earning 11 college credit hours. His extracurricular activities include baseball, track, powerlifting, and more. Beyond academics, he was also a member of the NAACP, serving as the organization’s youth chaplain. Charleston’s English honors teacher said, “He has superb written and verbal skills that are a pleasure for any teacher to encounter. He even tutors younger students from our feeder schools, who are at risk and struggling with their academics.”

Laura Thomas
Suwanee, Georgia
Parent – ACO Senior 3PL Pricing Analyst Olivia Rochon

Earlier this year, Laura Thomas graduated from North Gwinnett High School with a 4.14 GPA. While there, Laura was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, student council, and more. She also was the captain of the varsity volleyball team, a member of the dance team, and accumulated over 200 community service hours. She volunteered with Relay for Life and Happy Feat, among other outlets. For both her academic and community outreach efforts, she was given the Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction award and the “Community Seal” at graduation. Her language arts teacher said, “When Laura enters a room, everyone is immediately captivated by her bright smile as she brings positivity and sunshine wherever she goes.” She is now studying criminology and chemistry at the University of Florida.

Quan Tran
San Leandro, California
Parent – OAK City Driver Hung Minh Tran

Now a student at the University of California at Berkley where he is studying both biology and business, Quan Tran graduated in June with a 4.17 GPA from Arroyo High School. He was the recipient of numerous honors including the San Lorenzo Unified School District Superintendent Award; being named a California Interscholastic Federation Scholar Athlete, North Coast Section; and receiving a Golden State Merit Seal Diploma. Aside from stellar academics and athletics, Quan was part of a team of 13 students/interns in the Earth Team’s Sustainable Youth Internship Program where he “was able to make significant contributions to (his) team regarding the earth and global environment.” His program manager said “Quan is a reliable, bright, empathic student with many great ideas and insights that can provide practical solutions to complex problems.”

$2,500 Recipients

Noah Eley
Huntington Beach, California
Parent – LBH Terminal Manager Michael Eley

Currently pursuing his doctorate in physical therapy, Noah Eley is a student with a 3.98 GPA at California State University, Northridge. He is a member of the Physical Therapy Club and serves on the board of a nonprofit called “Love My Kids – The Tracy Otte Foundation.” Aside from being a board member, Noah also gives back to his community by volunteering at a local food pantry, teaching Japanese students about anatomy, and doing pro bono work through his physical therapy program. Over the years, he has received several awards and recognitions. His professor and the physical therapy department chair said Noah, academically, is “one of the top students in his class with outstanding grades, but (that he) also demonstrates a deeper understanding and ability to integrate and apply information with ease.”

Jessie Elliott
Stockbridge, Georgia
Parent – ATL Dockworker Justin Elliott

Jessie Elliott graduated this spring with a 4.03 GPA from Woodland High School where she was a member of the National English Honors Society, National Arts Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Art and Drama Clubs and was a member of the advanced choir. During her time in high school, she was also dually enrolled and worked a part-time job. She currently is attending Georgia State University where she is pursuing a degree in interior design. Her graduation coach said, “Jessie is the epitome of an excellent and all-around student. She took many honors level courses throughout high school and also successfully completed many college level courses…” Her chorus director stated “Jessie is a very dedicated student, whose determination goes unmatched...”

Morgan Hebert
Gray, Louisiana
Parent – HGO Revenue Management Coordinator Shane Hebert

Morgan Hebert is a student at Fletcher Technical Community College where she is pursuing her goal of becoming a robotics engineer.  She graduated this past May from Central Lafourche High School with a 3.36 GPA. Beyond robotics, Morgan is also passionate about raising awareness and being a mental health advocate for dermatillomania, trichotillomania, and every other body-focused repetitive behavior. In part, her outreach includes appearing on the “Fidget” podcast, volunteering with the Trichotillomania Learn Center, and attending the Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Conference. She has also created an Instagram account, Hope.For.Derm, to let people know they are not alone. According to the co-founder and president of HabitAware, “Morgan is well deserving…as her efforts in mental health awareness embody Saia’s values of people, purpose and performance.”

Spenser McRae
Stockbridge, Georgia
Parent – ATL Forklift Mechanic Craig McRae

With a 3.95 GPA, Spenser McRae graduated this May from Creekside Christian Academy. Additionally, Spenser was dually enrolled at Truett McConnell University where he earned 30 college credit hours. He is now attending Mercer University where he is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Outside of academics, he was a member of high school baseball team for three years and ran cross country for two years. His baseball coach said that the term “quiet leader” best describes Spenser. “Spenser does not have to talk because his character speaks loudly. Spenser is a servant,” he explained. “Every Wednesday, Spenser would voluntarily help the maintenance crew set up over 400 chairs for the school’s chapel meeting. Oftentimes, he was the only student to help set up chairs.”

Faith Speights
Springville, Alabama
Parent – BHM Line Driver Eldred Speights

Currently attending the University of Alabama, Faith Speights sports a 4.0 GPA and is pursuing a degree in public health. She was named to the President’s List for both the fall and spring semesters and received the Sandra Hullet Award from the Black Faculty and Staff Association, which is given to “freshman with the highest academic standing…” Outside of academics and beyond past volunteer experience, Faith also works as an administrative assistant/mentor for Empowered to Overcome and as a nursery worker for Love Fellowship Christian Center. Her instructor wrote to say, “Ms. Speights was an active participant and contributed positively to class conversations. The assignments she submitted were well crafted and incorporated a high level of detail.”

Hayley Voisin
Theriot, Louisiana
Parent – HGO Collection Specialist Melinda Voisin

Haley Voisin graduated earlier this year with a 4.05 GPA from Terrebonne High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta and the Key Clubs. She is currently attending Louisiana State University where she is pursuing a degree in English/creative writing. Beyond academics, she was also the secretary during her junior year and vice president during her senior for Relay for Life. Aside from serving on the board, she participated in many fundraising events for the organization, which included car washes, concession sales, and more. According to the Relay for Life sponsor, “I have great respect for her because of her hard work and dedication to raise money for the American Cancer Society.”

Lauren Jackson
Roseboro, North Carolina
Parent – FAY City Driver Bobby Jackson

Lauren Jackson completed her freshman year at Fayetteville Community College with a 4.0 GPA and is currently attending Sampson Community College where she is majoring in nutrition and dietetics. Not only does Lauren have stellar academics, she participated in and supported several community service organizations and programs. She also works for an after school/summer care program, Happy Ours, where she assists children with their homework and other needs. According to her department chairperson and instructor, “Lauren demonstrated an active interest and high aptitude for learning. She shows promise of becoming an exceptional professional in the near future, and I look forward to seeing her succeed in her endeavors.”

Emily Keller
Lancaster, South Carolina
Parent – CLT W&R Coordinator Robert Keller

Emily Keller finished her junior year with a 3.85 GPA at the University of South Carolina where she is studying psychology. Beyond academics, she was a Smithsonian digital volunteer and a member of the Capstone Scholars Program. One of her professors described her as thoughtful, attentive, forward-thinking, and intelligent. “Emily is a good student, and when I say that I do not mean she is merely intelligent and punctual; I mean she is adaptable, open-minded and attentive…” Beyond this, Emily also provided free childcare to a local police officer who was without a sitter or daycare because of COVID. She said, “Emily has been a true blessing to me and my small family throughout the entirety of the pandemic and to this day.”

Jacqueline Ramirez
Wylie, Texas
Parent – GRL City Driver Ramiro Ramirez

Presently attending Western Texas College where she finished her sophomore year with a 3.32 GPA, Jacqueline Ramirez is studying nursing. She is a member of the Western Texas Women’s Soccer Team. Outside of school and sports, Jacqueline also has a keen interest in serving others and works as an advocate for the homeless by making “Blessing Bags” that she hands out to those in need. The bags are filled with snacks, toiletries, and information on where they can receive assistance. Her head soccer coach said, “Jacqueline has proven that through hard work, team work, and desire she can accomplish tasks in a courteous and timely manner…”

Jessica Santos
Round Rock, Texas
Parent – AUS Dockworker Julio Santos

Jessica Santos is attending the University of North Texas where she is seeking a degree in social work. Sporting a 3.8 GPA, Jessica was named to the President’s List and was invited to become a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, which is available to only a limited number of students who earn the honor because of their academic accomplishments and leadership potential. Aside from being recognized for her academic prowess, she is passionate about community service, volunteering through her local Catholic church, at a local food pantry, and at animal shelters. Her director of Hispanic evangelization said, “Jessica is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored catechist and friend, who is always trying to support others.”