LAKE NONA, Fla. – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and ThanksUSA are pleased to present the 2020-2021 USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarships to three military family college students.
Through Tennis Thanks the Troops, the USPTA and ThanksUSA encourage USPTA members to raise money for scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel. Each scholarship recipient will receive a $3,000 scholarship towards their undergraduate studies.
“We are always excited to team up with ThanksUSA to provide scholarships to deserving students of military families,” USPTA CEO John Embree said. “The Tennis Thanks the Troops partnership allows our association to show our appreciation to the military and their families. This initiative is always well supported by our members and is an annual priority of our association.”
A USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship is helping Gloria complete her final year of undergraduate studies at Wayland Baptist University in Texas. As the spouse of an active-duty Army Staff Sergeant, she balances the challenges of military life while obtaining a college degree and raising her children. Majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Administration, Gloria plans to secure a job in healthcare that supports the military community. As the parent of a child with hemophilia, she is particularly interested in assisting families who are learning to live with bleeding disorders.
The daughter of a retired Army Staff Sergeant, Cameron was awarded a USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarship to begin a Biology major at Virginia Commonwealth University. “Thank you all for the USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship award and helping me in my academic journey. I will do my best to make everyone proud. I am very honored to be a recipient!” she said.
The daughter of a disabled Marine Corps Veteran, Destiny was diagnosed with a heart defect shortly after birth. Undergoing open-heart surgery at the age of fifteen introduced her to a team of pediatric cardiologists who would inspire her future. “Their care combined with my personal experience created a passion,” she shared. With the assistance of a USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship, Destiny is beginning a Biology major with a Pre-Med concentration at the University of Oklahoma.
“We are grateful to the USPTA and all tennis professionals who are making a difference for military families through fundraising events or private donations,” said Jean Pletchette, ThanksUSA Director of Sports Initiatives. To learn more, contact Jean@ThanksUSA.org.
About the USPTA
Founded in 1927, the United States Professional Tennis Association is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members worldwide, the association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and promotes a greater awareness of the sport. For more information about the USPTA visit www.USPTA.com
About ThanksUSA
ThanksUSA is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by providing need-based scholarships and pathways to employment for their spouses and children. Since 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded 4,860 scholarships valued at nearly $16 million to military families in all 50 states and every branch of the military. For more information, visit www.ThanksUSA.org.