The Virginia Motorcoach Association congratulates our 2022 Estes-Counselman Scholarship Award Winner, Allyson Anna Cassell.
Allyson is the dependent of VMA Operator Member Virginia Coach Company employee, Linda Cassell. Allyson’s future plans include attending Ferrum College, an NCAA Division III institution, where she plans to major in Animal and Agricultural Sciences, as well as to participate in Women’s Basketball during the upcoming school year.
Allyson shared with the scholarship committee her passion for animals and the integral relationships that exist between humans and animals within our society and economy, and she looks forward to the opportunity to study their biology, care, and behaviors. Allyson plans to continue her post graduate educational career by obtaining her Master’s Degree in Marine Mammal Science.
Allyson is also looking forward to realizing her childhood dream of playing Collegiate Basketball for the Ferrum Panthers Women’s Basketball Team. She intends to work hard both on the court and in the classroom to excel as a Ferrum College Student Athlete, with an objective to make the Dean’s List every semester, keeping her GPA above 3.5, and to graduate with honors.
Allyson expects her post-college career to include being an advocate for helping the animals of our world, particularly marine animals. She feels that marine animals are a keystone member of the earth’s environment and are a significant part of contributing to our oxygen cycle and shaping our shorelines, but which are often endangered by pollution and over-fishing.
Allyson’s life has been shaped by experiences of unconditional love and kindness. As a 4 year old child, she experienced the loss of her younger brother. She has expressed her gratitude for the unconditional love that she remembers receiving during that difficult time that is so confusing for a child. Allyson has a lifelong goal to return that kindness and unconditional love to as many people as possible.
Congratulations, Allyson “Ally” Anna Cassell. The VMA wishes you a very successful future.