COLUMBIA, Tenn.  — Maury County Public Schools is partnering with TriStar Bank to offer the Maury County Public Schools – TriStar Bank Work Ethic Distinction Scholarship to graduating seniors who have earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction.

The scholarship is open to any senior in Maury County Public Schools who has successfully earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction, a recognition that highlights a student’s career readiness. The distinction reflects a student’s demonstrated strengths in time management, initiative, industry skills, community involvement, planning, and work experience.

Qualifying students may obtain the scholarship application link (accessible only through their Maury County Public Schools email), their school counselor, or Work Ethic Distinction coordinator. The application window is open now through March 31.

Students must register required evidence demonstrating they meet the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction standards.

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Funds may be used to support expenses for students attending technical schools, community colleges, or four-year institutions. A scholarship committee will review all submitted applications and select three recipients. The winners will be announced during the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction Celebration on April 27.

TriStar Bank has committed to funding the scholarships for the next five years and has been a longstanding partner of the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction initiative, participating annually in the celebration and associated job fair.

“A strong partnership with TriStar Bank allows us to expand opportunities for our students and recognize those who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate career readiness,” said Tristan Brown, CTE College and Career Coordinator with Maury County Public Schools. “The Work Ethic Distinction sets a high standard, and this scholarship reinforces the value of professionalism, responsibility and community involvement as students transition to the next phase of their education.”

Michael Franks, Maury County president, and Chief Lending Officer of TriStar Bank, said the scholarship reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting local students and workforce development.

“At TriStar Bank, we believe investing in students who demonstrate strong work ethic and character is an investment in the future of our Maury County,” Franks said. “Our partnership with Maury County Public Schools helps ensure students are recognized and supported as they pursue technical training, community college, or four-year degrees. We are proud to stand behind this initiative for the next five years.”

The mission of Maury County Public Schools is to provide the educational instruction, tools, and environment for every child to succeed in LIFE as Life-long Learners, Independent Thinkers, Fearless Innovators, and Exemplary Citizens.

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