2019 AAA Scholarship Essay Winner
Madison Pressley, a senior at Haddon Heights High School, has been selected as the winner of the AAA Scholarship Essay contest. Madison earned $2,500 toward her college tuition with her winning entry.
The contest, open to all high school seniors living in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester or Salem counties, were presented the following challenging scenario to answer with a maximum of 1,000 words:
Caring for our communities is part of AAA’s hundred-year legacy, and key to our company values today. Our AAA South Jersey Gives Back program takes our mission of helping others from the roadside to the heart of our communities, where we are needed most. AAA South Jersey employees are committed to giving back to others with hands-on service, in-kind donations, and charitable giving. Describe how you work to give back to your local community. In what ways, and for what causes, can AAA South Jersey continue to make a positive impact in your community?
Contributions to the People
By Madison Pressley
During my junior year of high school, I started to become actively involved in my community. I joined my student volunteer program that participated in events happening in Lawnside. As a current member, I have been able to participate and aid in various events that happened in Lawnside. In addition, I am a member of Lawnside Town Watch. Town Watch’s purpose is to help maintain safety in Lawnside and to ensure that there is no violence. I participated in the coin drop that helped raise over $300 towards the program. I also became a member of the Animal Welfare Association, an animal shelter located in Voorhees Township. I help in sanitizing the equipment that is used for the animals.
AAA can help give back to my community via sponsoring events. Every Fourth of July, my town and neighboring towns host events to celebrate. There are parades, fireworks, and vendor to sell items. Admittedly, it can be hard to pull in money for these events. AAA could help by donating money for the Fourth of July celebrations; in helping in the purchase of fireworks, giving money to the town or group that participate in the parade to build floats. AAA could also setup a booth that would educate the members of community of safety behind the wheel.
Additionally, AAA could become involved in our schools. At Lawnside Public School, there is a health fair that teaches students ways to stay healthy. Different vendors come in and set up tables and put up displays. Since AAA is an auto insurance company, AAA could possibly teach the students the importance of wearing a seatbelt or not to text while driving. Although, the students are too young to drive, they could use those lessons to teach their siblings, cousins, parents, etc. what they had learned and help them notice the warning signs of impaired and aggressive driving.
At my high school, there is a job fair held for juniors and seniors. In high school, students have a difficult time deciding what they want their career path to be. AAA could contribute by setting up a booth and informing the juniors and senior on automotive careers. This allows students who may have an interest in that career to be able to understand the requirements and dedication needed. It could also inform them on the different career options working for AAA; such as, road service, clerical, sales, and travel agent.
Being a high school student, one of the most important events to some students is prom. Along with prom comes the responsibility of staying safe on the road. At Haddon Heights High School, the administrators create a presentation for prom attendees that highlights the dangers of driving while impaired. AAA could help bring further promotion to not only my high school, but other schools in South Jersey. Whether it be an in-depth presentation of the dangers of drunk driving, free items that promote safety on the road, or a promotion for AAA members that will be attending prom.
Money is not always necessary to make an impact to my community. Items can also help my community. Around the holidays, there are all different types of drives happening. During Thanksgiving, AAA could donate can goods to different local shelters or during Christmas donate wrapped gifts for people who are unable to celebrate.
AAA can make a wide range of contributions to my community both big and small. It is important for people to know that they are cared for. AAA is a company that many families, including mine, depend on when they are stranded. By reaching out to the community through some of the ways I suggested, AAA can keep many more families safe and provided for.
