2007 Delphi graduate named hhgregg Asaro scholar

Baer

Ashley Baer, a 2007 graduate of Delphi Community High School, is among the 34 winners of this year's statewide hhgregg/ Asaro 9/11 Scholarship Program.

Baer, who is the daughter of Sheriff Tony and Melody Burns, received a refrigerator, microwave oven, and digital camera from hhgregg and will be able to use these items when she goes to college in the fall. She plans to major in psychology when she starts classes.

The scholarship fund, created in 2002, is named in memory of New York City firefighter Carl Asaro, who died in the collapse of World Trade Center 2 as he worked to rescue victims of the terrorist attacks. Asaro's widow, Heloiza, personally directed the establishment of the Indiana fund in her husband's memory after receiving a generous offer of financial support for her family from Hoosier businesses in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

The hhgregg-Carl Asaro 9/11 scholarship fund awarded 34 scholarships to the sons and daughters of Indiana firefighters, police officers, paramedics and dispatchers. The program includes a $5,000 first-place award, a $1,000 President's Award, and 18 $500 scholarships. Other winners received laptop computers, color printers, portable dorm refrigerators, microwaves, color televisions and digital cameras.

Baer also wrote an essay, which addressed the changes the United States has endured since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. She also scored high marks for her success in the classroom, as well as how she conducts herself in her personal life.

Applications for the 2007- 2008 scholarship program will be available online Sept. 1, at www.avatarpr.com. Any incoming senior whose parent or guardian is employed by a professional or volunteer fire or police department, or ambulance service is eligible. Students whose parent is disabled or retired from such agencies are also eligible, as are students who serve as volunteers for or are employed by Indiana emergency services organizations. For more information contact Ernie Reno at 317.837.9832 or ernie.reno@avatarpr.com.