The Moraine Valley Foundation announced Tomas Martinez, of Justice, is the recipient of the 2022 Palos Heights Beautification Committee Automotive Technology Scholarship. The announcement was made at the Palos Heights Classic Car Event on July 21.

The Palos Heights Beautification Committee started this scholarship in 2021 to help support Moraine Valley Community College students who want to pursue a career in the automotive field. The award can be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees and/or textbooks. Funds for the scholarship are raised out of proceeds from the annual Palos Heights Classic Car Show, which is one of the largest shows in the area.

“We are grateful to the Palos Heights Beautification Committee for supporting our Automotive Technology Program with this generous scholarship,” said Patti Mehallick, director of Alumni and Annual Programs for the Moraine Valley Foundation. “It is wonderful that this successful car show can help automotive students, as well as provide a fun event for the community.”

Ira Siegel, program coordinator and professor of Automotive Technology, and Tony Dalaly, instructor of Automotive Technology, attended the car show to share information about the college’s program.

Criteria for the scholarship includes current enrollment in the Moraine Valley Community College Automotive Technology Program, a cumulative 2.0 GPA, a minimum of six credit hours in the semester in which the award is received, financial need and residing in Palos Heights, Palos Park, Palos Hills, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Worth, Alsip, Crestwood, Chicago Ridge, Hickory Hills or Justice.

About the Moraine Valley Foundation

The Moraine Valley Foundation was founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and emergency assistance to Moraine Valley Community College students, fund innovative programs at the college, and offer financial support to its Fine and Performing Arts Center. As a 501(c)3 entity, the Foundation partners with corporate and individual donors and has awarded over $1 million to support the college’s mission. This year, over $285,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to students pursuing a better life through higher education. Please help make our students’ dreams possible through a donation to the Foundation at morainevalley.edu/donate.

For media inquiries, contact Karen Town, communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or [email protected].