In recognition of both his academic and extracurricular excellence, the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce announces Navasota High School Senior Leonard Abke, son of Navasota’s Leslie and Debbie Abke, has been chosen as the winner of this year’s Jim Beard Scholarship.
Chamber Director Johnny McNally says historically, it has been given to a student who’s looking to pursue a career in a trade, vocational or technical school, and not a typical four-year educational path. And after the 18-year-old Abke received his diploma last Friday, McNally says that six-year Jim Beard Scholarship tradition will continue. Abke was very clear, he says, in stating that his goal to become an automotive mechanic. Specifically he is interested in BMWs, and expects to pursue specialty in BMW automotive technology.
The scholarship was established by the chamber in 2011 in remembrance of Jim Beard’s well-known belief in the value both to our society and economy of young folks who, instead of college, pursue trade, vocational or technical educations.
Abke received his $500 scholarship during this year’s Awards and Scholarship presentations. He received his diploma with the rest of his class last Friday (5/28) Evening at 8 in Rattler Stadium.