ATSSA Signal September October 2019

American Traffic Safety Services Association 34 The Foundation The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation exists to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. The ATSS Foundation’s Core Purpose Each year, The ATSS Foundation provides scholarships for loved ones of fallen or permanently disabled road- way workers. By offering charitable programs, events, and by spreading the word through public awareness, it is the nonprofit’s hope that zero schol- arships will be given out as a result of zero fatalities. The scholarship programprovides finan- cial assistance for post-high school educa- tion todependents (childrenandspouses) of roadway workers who were killed or permanently disabled in a roadway work zone. The program is competitive and has a value of up to $10,000. Appli- cants who demonstrate a strong commit- ment to volunteerismmay be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, an esteemed member of the roadway safety industrywho passed away in June 2002. “The Roadway Worker Memorial Schol- arship program is very near and dear to our hearts, just as all of our programs are,” FoundationPresident DaveKrahulec said. “We’ve met so many young adults with inspiring stories and it’s beyond rewarding tosee themadvanceandexcel.” In addition to its other initiatives and programs, part of The Foundation’s core purpose is to help ensure that their dependents academic dreams will continue—dependents like 2019 schol- arship recipient Mariela Lara from Ojai, California. “I’m very grateful to have received the scholarship provided by The Founda- tion, as I’m sure the other recipients are,” Lara said. “Losing a parent is a very difficult ordeal to go through but it is nice to know there are people out there to support you after going through an experience like that.” Lara will study Environmental Biology at Santa Barbara City College this fall. Lara The strength of family and education Inspired recipient is one of nine to receive Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship was fourteen years old when her father, Adan, was clearing a road in preparation for storm “El Nino,” when he was struck and killed by a motorist. “Getting through the loss took a long time and that first day, when we found out my dad was killed, it was devastating,” Lara said. “We had seen a Twitter post that said a roadway worker was struck and killed on the stretch of highway my dad was working on and when we saw the workers’ trucks pull up to the house, we knew.” Lara said that while it was difficult to process her father’s death, she relied on her family for support. Additionally, she said she takes solace in thememory of her father. “I know my father would be very proud to know I am continuing my education,” Lara said. “He used to go over flash cards withme all the time. Education was very important tohimbecausehenever got to go to college. Himpushingme to always be better is what still inspires me today.” To support The Foundation’s Road- way Worker Memorial Scholarship program and its other initiatives, visit foundation.atssa.com/Donate.

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