Atria Senior Living® Announces Winners Of 2013 Ronnie Boatman Scholarships

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Atria Senior Living (Atria) today announced that the company has awarded $30,000 in college scholarships to six students for the 2013-2014 academic year. The Ronnie Boatman Commitment to Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving students based on academic achievement, extracurricular activity and civic involvement. Recipients are children or dependents of employees who work in Atria communities across the country.

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Since 2006, Atria has awarded $240,000 in scholarships in memory of Ronnie Boatman, a long-term employee who served in several roles at Atria before succumbing to cancer in January 2005. Described by former colleagues as a wonderful trainer, mentor, leader and friend, Boatman's legacy is one that continues at the company.

"Ronnie was passionate about providing those around him -- including his staff and their families -- opportunities to continue learning and growing both professionally and personally," said Danny McCoy, Chief Operating Officer for Atria Senior Living. "His employees were like family to him – a feeling that is echoed in every Atria community across the country. This scholarship program is a way to keep his legacy alive, while also helping children of our employees pursue their higher education goals." 

The 2013 recipients were announced in June, and represent a diverse range of students from across the nation. Winners are Rachel Schutte from Grapevine, Texas; Eduardo Villegas from Costa Mesa, California; Carol Hinostro from Pomona, California; Joseph Roche from Bellingham, Massachusetts; Sophonie Cam from Stamford, Connecticut; and Crystal Sanchez from Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Schutte, who attends the University of Texas at Austin and is studying architectural engineering, was awarded a $12,000 scholarship. She said she was humbled by the gift.

"I'm so appreciative of the opportunity that this scholarship affords me," said Schutte. "My father has always been my role model, and he worked in construction all his life. He passed away last summer, and my dream is to one day be involved in the construction of a major building from beginning to end to honor his memory. I'm very grateful that Atria chose me for this scholarship so I can continue working toward that goal."

To learn more about all of this year's scholarship recipients and their plans for the future, please visit http://www.atriaseniorliving.com/PressReleaseStory.aspx?PressReleaseID=25&PageID=57.

Atria Senior Living is one of the nation's leading providers of independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Home to more than 13,000 older Americans in 27 states, Atria communities provide respectful, quality services designed to promote independence and help seniors enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Atria's goal is to provide environments where older people thrive, where loneliness and isolation are forgotten and where families have confidence that their loved ones are secure and fulfilled. To learn more about Atria's innovative programming or to find an Atria community near you, please visit www.atriaseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Atria Senior Living