Donna Every of Polk County High School has been named a Ray Kroc Scholar and been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina (RMHC of NC) and local McDonald’s owner/operators. Every is among 181 students from across the Carolinas who received college scholarships from RMHC of N.C. and local McDonald’s franchisees.

“McDonald’s is committed to higher education and, as local business owners, it’s an honor to help send these students to college,” said McDonald’s owner/operator Cynthia Samour. “Each year we look forward to this program and the opportunity to see promising students reach their goals.”

RMHC and Ray Kroc Scholars were both chosen based on their leadership skills, academic success, community involvement, financial need and a personal essay describing how they intend to make a difference in society. Ray Kroc scholarships are awarded to McDonald’s employees who are furthering their secondary education.

RMHC of N.C. is committed to the health and well being of children. From the five Ronald McDonald Houses in North Carolina that serve as “homes away from home” for families with seriously ill children to annual scholarships and grants for community programming, their outreach touches thousands of children each year. RMHC of N.C., an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is based in Raleigh, N.C., and is governed by a board of directors comprised of business, civic leaders and McDonald’s representatives.

– article submitted by Michelle Young Hubacher