GNEMA Awards Scholarships to Two Students Connected to the Bus and Motorcoach Industry

The Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association (GNEMA) is helping two students get closer to their professional dreams with scholarships aimed at supporting higher education for members’ families and employees.

Matthew Cesare, one of this year’s recipients, is focused on becoming a forensic professional.

“My objectives in college are centered around becoming a well-rounded forensic professional who can contribute in many areas of the field,” he said. “This scholarship would help support that vision and allow me to focus fully on making the most of this opportunity.”

Shamika Hatchett is pursuing a career that combines psychology and business, with a focus on understanding the criminal mind while building professional skills in other areas.

“I want to major in psychology, eventually obtaining my doctorate and studying the criminal mind,” he said, “minoring in business to coincide with my cosmetology license, which I’m currently obtaining at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.”

Both students received a $1,500 scholarship and a plaque during the seventh annual GNEMA Scholarship Awards, presented at the association’s annual meeting at Resorts Casino.

The scholarship program is funded through GNEMA events, including the September 23 golf outing, and supports the higher education goals of bus and motorcoach employees and their families. Whether students are pursuing college degrees or trade certifications, the program provides financial assistance and recognition.

To qualify, applicants must be full-time employees or dependent children of employees of a GNEMA operator or allied member company, have at least one year of service, and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade-point average or equivalent.

GNEMA President Tim Stout congratulated the scholarship winners and recognized the committee members for their volunteer efforts: Brad Decker of Busie, Roy Furo of Prevost, Dennis King of King Gray Coach Lines, Meg Lewis of Resorts Casino, Jonathan Robbins of ABC Companies, and Steve Weiss of MCI/NFI.

Image / Source: Bus and Motorcoach News) 2025 GNEMA Scholarship Winner, Matthew Cesare, with GNEMA President Tim Stout.