The Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) proudly recognized the winners of its 2025 Annual Scholarship Awards during the organization’s annual conference, held in Glen Allen, Virginia.
This Year’s Honorees
The prestigious awards were presented to two exceptional individuals this year—Katie Kimmel, representing Wolf’s Bus Lines, and Karina Kunkel, backed by Anderson Coach & Travel. Both recipients received $1,000 scholarships and commemorative plaques in recognition of their accomplishments.
A Program Supporting Education
Introduced in 2023 under the guidance of PBA Chair Tammy Wolf-Baker, this scholarship initiative was created with a clear purpose—to help employees and their families, who are connected to PBA member operators, achieve their higher education goals.
Wolf-Baker expressed her gratitude to the PBA Executive Committee for evaluating the applications and emphasized the program’s significance. “The scholarship program is a meaningful way to invest in the future of our industry’s families,” she noted during the event.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarship eligibility extends to employees of PBA member companies as well as their dependent children. However, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum of one year of employment with the member company as of January 1 in the award year, full-time enrollment in a college, trade, or professional school, and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA or its equivalent.
Meet the Recipients
- Katie Kimmel
Katie, who plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian, shared her strong passion for animal care. “I want to help improve their health by diagnosing and treating illnesses,” she said. Her aspirations include specializing in both small and large animal care, with hopes of eventually expanding her expertise to exotic animals.
- Karina Kunkel
Karina has set her sights on a career in nursing and intends to begin working in a local hospital after completing her education. She highlighted the importance of starting in a hospital setting to gain hands-on experience and build confidence. “I believe it’s important to start in a hospital setting where I can gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and truly understand what it’s like to work in high-pressure environments such as the emergency room and trauma units,” she shared.
Looking Toward the Future
The PBA’s scholarship program remains a testament to the association’s commitment to the personal and professional growth of its member community. The 2025 awardees exemplify the drive, ambition, and spirit that the program aims to support.
With the ongoing efforts of the PBA and the backing of its members, the initiative not only helps advance the individual dreams of recipients, but it also strengthens the entire industry by fostering educated and motivated future leaders.
(Source: Bus and Motorcoach News) From left: Karina Kunkel and Katie Kimmel.
Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
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