Senator Mark Green joins in celebrating the achievements of scholarship recipients

State Senator Mark Green joined Nashville-based financial services company Advance Financial in awarding $1,000 scholarships to eight outstanding Middle Tennessee high school seniors last night at the Advance Financial Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Banquet. Students’ applications were judged on academic activities, honors, goals and financial need. This year’s scholarship recipients are: – Isise L. Brown, Lead Academy (Nashville, TN) – Matthew Murray, Central Magnet High School (Murfreesboro, TN) – Allison Parker, Station Camp High School (Gallatin, TN) – Tiarra M. Hill, Central High School (Harrison, TN) – Kenya Dilworth, Lavergne High School (Lavergne, TN) – Laurel Tipps, Central Magnet High School (Murfreesboro, TN) – Briana Ealy, Northeast High School (Clarksville, TN) -Tristan Brown, Oakland High School (Murfreesboro, TN) “I commend you for all that you’ve done to get where you are today. And I am excited for the great opportunities that are ahead of you in your careers and in your lives,” said Senator Green. In his address to the seniors, the senator encouraged the students to put as much focus into giving back to the community as they do on their studies. “Because of this scholarship, I’ll be able to make the most of my time at MTSU and have a full, four-year college experience – something I wouldn’t have been able to afford on my own,” said Allison Parker, scholarship recipient from Station Camp High School in Gallatin. “After graduation, I’d like to work as an advocate for agricultural issues, either for the USDA or the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.” Along with this year’s scholarship dollars, the Advance Financial Foundation also made a $4,800 donation to the Patriot Foundation’s education scholarship fund. The fund supports families of fallen and wounded soldiers at Fort Campbell and Fort Bragg, as well as special forces troops. The dollars from the Foundation’s donation will go directly to families at Fort Campbell in Clarksville. Senator Green knows first-hand the sacrifices faced by military families. His time as an army special operation flight surgeon for the 160th Special Ops Aviation Regiment brought him to Tennessee. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with “V” device for valor under heavy enemy fire and the Combat Medical Badge, among many other accolades. “Our troops at Fort Campbell and their families make daily sacrifices that are beyond compare. We admire the work of the Patriot Foundation, which provides invaluable support to these families. Our contribution is a small token of our appreciation for their service to our country,” said Shantrelle Johnson, Advance Financial’s vice president of community outreach. Advance Financial’s educational initiatives are focused on improving the quality of education for preschool, grade school and high school students. From 2010 to 2014 the Advance Financial Foundation donated approximately $50,000 to the Bootstraps Foundation’s Education Scholarships. Since the Foundation’s scholarship program began in 2015, the company has awarded $17,000 to high school graduates. “As a company we are dedicated to providing opportunities for students of all ages to make the most of their education,” said Tina Hodges, chief executive and chief experience officer at Advance Financial. “I am always impressed with how hard these young people work to realize their dreams. It’s an honor to be able to reward them for their dedication and contribute to their futures.” Advance Financial, founded in 1996, is a family owned and operated financial center based in Nashville, Tenn. The company currently operates more than 70 locations throughout Tennessee and employs more than 600 local representatives. By focusing on a wide variety of financial services – including wire transfer, bill payment, unlimited free money orders and FLEX loans – they are committed to building long-lasting, strong relationships with every customer. Advance Financial recently earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was named a Top Work Place by The Tennessean. For more information visit www.af247.com. Original Source: Nashville Pride