The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States (SEUS) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2016 scholarships. Each year the 24 Karat Club offers several scholarship opportunities for promising talent in the jewelry industry. First and foremost, recipients are chosen based on their passion and desire to make a life-long commitment to the jewelry industry.
For 2016 the Club is awarding five scholarships: The Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship, $2,000; two Sterling Reputation Scholarships, $1,250 each, sponsored by Steve Berkowitz of Sterling Reputation; and two Diamond in the Rough Scholarships, $1,250 each, sponsored by Judy Upton of Judy Carter & Associates.
The 2016 24 Karat Club SEUS honorees are:
• Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship – Krista Womack, Ford, Gittings & Kane in Rome, GA
• Sterling Reputation Scholarship – Stayce Hampton, Hayes Jewelers in Mobile, AL
• Sterling Reputation Scholarship – Brantley Salem, Salem’s Jewelry in Marble Falls, TX
• Diamond in the Rough Scholarship – Ashley Johnson, Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelry in Tuscaloosa, AL
• Diamond in the Rough Scholarship – Brittany Blackmon, Shay Morgan Jewelers in Hoover, AL
Additionally, Diamond Council of America Scholarships will be awarded to 5 applicants not mentioned above.
“The (24K) Club is honored to present the 2016 Scholarships to an outstanding group of ‘Rising Stars’ within our industry,” said Scholarship Committee chair Kathy Beall. “One of the most important objectives of our Club is awarding the gift of learning and knowledge to several individuals from the retail sector each year. If you have such a person on your staff who embodies passion for jewelry, a love of learning, and who wishes to grow their knowledge, we invite their application next year.”
“We are thrilled to be able to assist such a deserving group of individuals further their careers in the jewelry industry with these scholarships,” said Club president Bill Newnam. “We believe a professional, educated staff is vital to the success of the independent retail jeweler.”
The scholarships will be presented at the 24 Karat Club’s annual black tie banquet to be held August 6 at the Atlanta Country Club.
The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States is a prestigious organization of industry professionals representing the leading members from the jewelry supplier sector. Members are considered and recognized because of their industry accomplishments, personal and civic contributions and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry industry. For more information about the 24 Karat Club SEUS please visit www.The24KaratClub.org.