The top scholarship winner in the high school category is Nina Hunter, a student at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Ariz.  Hunter will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and career in the collision industry.

"Nina has had several challenges in her life. She is a Russian orphan and was adopted at 7 years old," said Neil Carroll, an instructor at East Valley Institute of Technology said.  "She has had to acclimate to several changes as well as learning a new language. 

 
"Nina has learned to stand up for herself and is prepared to face the social challenges in the industry, Carroll said. "I have been teaching for 17 years and can't think of any student more deserving."

The top scholarship winner in the college category is Bonnie Peterson, a student at Cypress College in Cypress, Calif.  Peterson will also be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and further her career. 

"Bonnie has always strived to do her best in a male-dominated industry, completing assignments and given duties on or before due dates with great enthusiasm," said Dan Snook, an instructor at Cypress College.  "A typical school day for Bonnie starts at 7:30 a.m. and finishes at 10 p.m., long after many other students have gone home."

In addition to Hunter and Peterson, six runner-up scholarships were awarded to students from career and technical schools and colleges around the United States.  All of the runner-ups will receive a $2,500 scholarship. 

 
In the high school category, the Education Foundation named Brittney Baker of Rolla Technical Institute in Rolla, Mo.; Tiffany Dunn of Orange/Ulster CTEC in Goshen, N.Y.; and Tynika Howard of Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, Mich.

In the college category, the Education Foundation named Jennifer Engelbrecht of Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan.; Melissa Jamie Strong of Aims Community College in Greeley, Colo.; and Alicia Wade of Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill.

"Scholarships, like AkzoNobel's 'Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry,' make a significant positive impact in the lives of students enrolled in a collision education program," said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director. 

 
"Students, like the young women honored here, are making a considerable commitment to their education and training," Kruger said.  "The I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to have partners like AkzoNobel who recognize their commitment and are willing to invest in their future."