Synergy Announces 2018 Melissa Marie Watson Academic Achievement Award Winners
The Synergy Companies Inc., a leading provider of Professional Employer and Human Capital Management services, has announced the recipients of the 2018 Melissa Marie Watson Academic Achievement Award.
CHICAGO, July 9, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Synergy Companies Inc., a leading provider of Professional Employer and Human Capital Management services, has announced the recipients of the 2018 Melissa Marie Watson Academic Achievement Award. Recent high school graduates Mallory Cavanaugh of Hamilton Southeastern High School near Indianapolis and Lauren Shultz of Waukesha West High School near Milwaukee will each receive a $1,000 award to use toward their first year of college and are eligible for subsequent $500 awards for each of the next three years.
The scholarship program began in 1999 with the desire of Synergy's leadership to reward examples of outstanding academic achievement among the children and grandchildren of Synergy employees. The award's namesake, Melissa, was the daughter of Synergy Payroll Coordinator Kim Watson. She was tragically killed in an auto accident just before the start of her senior year of high school, and the award is a way for Synergy to keep her memory alive.
"Giving out this award is without a doubt the most rewarding and fun part of my job," said Barry Newman, Senior Human Resources Field Representative. "These are two of the most deserving recipients we've ever had, and I congratulate them on their hard work and dedication to their studies."
The criteria for selection is based on four areas: Grade Point Average, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation from school officials, and weighing the most, a one-page essay in response to a predetermined application question. This year's question was about the impact of modern technology on society and was judged by a panel of three academic professionals who are independent of Synergy. Applications open in January of each year and close in April.
"Giving back to those around us has always been a priority for Synergy," shared Mike Harrington, President of Synergy. "The Melissa Marie Watson Academic Achievement Award program is a great way for us to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence and both reward and support the bright minds of our future."
Mallory is the daughter of Delsie Cavanaugh who works at Synergy client company Partners in Housing in Indianapolis and will attend Purdue University in the fall. Lauren is the daughter of Janet Schultz of Legacy Bake House outside of Milwaukee and is enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the fall.
About Synergy
Synergy provides a full spectrum of Professional Employer and Human Capital Management services and has delivered total HR solutions since 1989. Synergy removes costly and time-consuming HR functions from the day-to-day responsibilities of their business clients. Striving to be an extension of every client, Synergy acts as a trusted advisor through dedicated, onsite HR specialists skilled in benefits administration, payroll processing, employee training, and workplace safety so that clients can get back to what they do best. For more information, visit http://www.mysynergy.com.
SOURCE Synergy
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