September 21, 2009 (NEWSWIRE.NET) – Americraft Cookware in conjunction with The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY and the Puyallup Fair Foundation in Puyallup, WA, has awarded scholarships to students participating in essay contests focusing on purchasing American-made products.
Americraft has formed an alliance with several fairs across the United States marketed as their “Partnership in Patriotism” program. Some programs include annual scholarships awarded to area students participating in essay contests with themes concentrating on American patriotism. “The response has been overwhelming!” says Patricia Deese, Americraft’s administrative director. “The fairs have been instrumental in getting the word out and getting local schools and students to participate. They review the essays and help determine the best one. Once the winning essay is chosen, the student is recognized at the fair and presented with a check.”
Hundreds of students participated in both the Puyallup and Syracuse contests. Justin Miller, a 2009 graduate of Snohomish High School, was awarded the Puyallup Fair scholarship. Justin maintained a 4.0 grade point average at Snohomish High School, and was ranked first in his class of 442 students. He will invest his $1,250 scholarship in higher education, as he plans to pursue a degree in engineering and technologies at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Olivia Tyler, an aspiring music student from Campbell-Savona High School, received a $2,500 scholarship and the opportunity to read her essay on the opening day of the 2009 New York State Fair.
“We hope to inspire America’s youth to recognize the importance of ‘patriotic spending,’” said Dave Hurley, chairman of Americraft. “We have to give the next generation a reason to seek out the ‘Made In USA’ label.”
The program will continue in Puyallup through 2012, awarding $1,250 annually. The New York State Fair program continues through 2011 awarding $2,500 each year.
Americraft Cookware is an American company with a manufacturing plant in West Bend, WI and corporate offices in Mount Dora, FL. Americraft is responsible for several stainless steel cookware brands including Kitchen Craft, Lustre Craft, Healthy Gourmet, VitaLife, All American and several other private label brands. All manufacturing and assembly work is conducted in the United States. More information can be found at the company’s website: www.AmericraftCookware.com.
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For more information about Americraft’s “Partnership In Patriotism” program, please contact Patricia Deese at 352-483-7600 or via email at Patricia.Deese@AmericraftCookware.com.