Meoli Companies McDonald’s franchises award scholarships

Local McDonald’s owner/operator Mike Meoli and the Meoli Companies announced the recipients of this year’s class of scholarship recipients during a recent visit to Delaware Technical Community College Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown.

Four students were selected to receive $500 each for their outstanding scholastic achievement and commitment to ongoing community service. Honorees are Wilmary Candelario, Ruby Robles, Katerine Tsolakis and Amaya Hunt. These nontraditional students are returning to college to complete a degree/diploma or are entering college for the first time years after graduating from high school.

“Education lays the foundation for personal growth and development, business success and community progress,” Meoli said. “I’m honored to be able to give back to my community in a way that is so meaningful to our students. These individuals will help pave the way for many who follow in their footsteps.”

The Meoli Companies believes in giving back to the communities in which their restaurants operate – the communities in which they, their managers and their crew members work and live. Today, The Meoli Companies operates 25 McDonald’s restaurants throughout Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

During the visit, students shared their life stories, and their academic goals and dreams.

“It feels amazing to get this scholarship,” Hunt said. “It’s such a weight off my shoulders. It feels great.”

Tsolakis agreed: “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do, and this is a big help,” she said. “I want to be known.” She has already secured a job in her field of real estate.

“My hope is that these scholarships will allow students who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to get the education they so willingly deserve,” Meoli said. “It is very rewarding to meet with these scholarship recipients and know that we are helping make their academic dreams a reality.”

The scholarship program is open to nontraditional community college students who have demonstrated a commitment to furthering their education by exhibiting scholastic achievement and ongoing community service. Students interested in applying for the Meoli Companies scholarship for 2023 should contact the Delaware Tech Financial Aid Office to learn about the application process.

For more information about scholarships and financial aid at Delaware Tech, go to dtcc.edu.