At the Annual Member Meeting held at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association (GNEMA) announced the winners of the 6th Annual Scholarship Awards for 2024. The program was developed to promote higher education goals of our members, and their families, whether it be to pursue a college degree or a trade certification. The Scholarship Program is funded by fundraising efforts. This year, GNEMA held their Annual Golf Outing on September 17th to benefit the program.
The winners for 2024 are Elisabeth Cancelliere, nominated by Operator Member Trans-Bridge Lines and George Roggiero nominated by Allied Supplier Member Sprague Operating Resources. Each received a check in the amount of $1,500 and a plaque.
Those eligible to apply for scholarships are full-time employees or the dependent children of full-time employees of Operator Member companies. Also eligible are the employees of Allied Members companies or the dependent children of the Allied Member companies.
The eligible employee of a GNEMA member company must have been employed for at least one year by January 1 in the year in which the scholarships are awarded. Also, those eligible to apply must already be registered to a full-time college, professional school, or trade school in the previous fall or at the time of application. They must also hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 or, if a professional school, the equivalent of a B grade.
Tim Stout, president of GNEMA, congratulated the winners and thanked the Scholarship Committee members for their volunteerism. They are: Rich Eckelson (Caesars Entertainment), Brad Decker (Busie), Roy Furo (Prevost), Dennis King (King Gray Coach Lines), Meg Lewis (Resorts Casino), Jonathan Robbins (ABC Companies) and Steve Weiss (MCI/NFI).
Excerpts from Elisabeth and George’s applications:
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Elisabeth Cancelliere:
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George Roggiero:
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 “My goal as a student at DeSales University is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business management within the next two years. This goal is particularly important to me because of the impact it will have on my family, and professional life. In my family it will set a positive example for all 5 of my children, because I am doing school while maintaining my full-time job. It also sets the example for them that even though I chose the marine corps first serving 8 years, it's never too late for school. I plan to continue to work for Trans-Bridge Lines and hopefully climbing the ladder one day for an executive position.”
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 “Through my involvement in scouting, team sports, my odd job business, and working as a camp counselor, I have consistently witnessed the impact of genuine, in-person connections and the importance of setting a good example with my actions and supportive mindset. I feel that as an educator, I can make meaningful contributions to our community by supporting and inspiring young children. I plan to pursue the 4+1 early childhood education program which will allow me to earn my masters in 5 years. I hope to find a teaching job in my community.”
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***The GNEMA is a group of leaders in the motorcoach, tour and travel industries that represent bus operators and owners in the northeast region. The association works in cooperation with industry associations, local, state, and federal agencies, legislators, vendors, attractions, and destinations to promote the betterment and welfare of the motorcoach industry, their members, and association objectives. The association takes initiative-taking steps in promoting safety in the motorcoach industry by sponsoring safety workshops for bus drivers, driver excellence award programs, inspection workshops, scholarship programs and industry professional awards. For more information visit gnema.org or contact Patricia Cowley, Executive Director 908-750-4538 pcowley@gnema.org***