Meoli Companies awards college scholarships to McDonald’s employees

The Meoli Companies, which is headquartered in Rehoboth Beach, and owns and operates 25 McDonald’s restaurants across the Delmarva Peninsula, has awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to five employees who recently graduated from local high schools.

The funds are being awarded as a part of Meoli Companies’ annual scholarship program that supports hardworking employees who are headed to college.

Recipients are: Jonathan Brittingham of Selbyville, attending the University of Delaware; Henry Grote of Selbyville, attending Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.; McKenzie Tubbs of Millsboro, attending the University of Delaware; Faith Johnson of Denton, Md., attending Penn State University; and Monique Payne of Dover, attending Delaware State University.

The scholarship application asked questions that focused on each employee’s overall story, their presence in the community, challenges they have overcome and plans for their education.

“While we respect the importance of a student’s GPA as a demonstration of their commitment to learning, we consider many more attributes to ensure we have a well-rounded picture of the individuals we consider for a scholarship,” said Michael A. Meoli, owner and operator of the Meoli Family McDonald’s Restaurants. “The response was overwhelming and speaks to the incredible stories these graduates have to share. For nearly 30 years, we’ve been committed to delivering a gold-standard experience for our McDonald’s customers each and every time they visit our restaurants, and that starts by hiring outstanding people. Often, we are the first job for many of our high school employees. Nothing pleases us more than to see them go on to future success and to support that journey.”

Recipients were selected based on their demonstrated leadership, participation in local community activities, work experience, experience in overcoming challenges, and who and what has inspired them.

Jonathan Brittingham said he found his footing during his senior year when he was cast as the lead in Sussex Central High School’s production of “Misery.” He was also influenced by being class president, serving on student government and speaking during the commencement ceremony. Brittingham worked at the Fenwick Bayside McDonald’s location for the last three years and is now attending the University of Delaware where he is double majoring in business and psychology. He plans to become a therapist and specialize in family counseling.

Henry Grote was active in clubs and the honors council, performed in school plays and served as a tutor at Delmarva Christian High School. However, he found his true passion in volunteer work that included working in an inner-city Baltimore homeless shelter where he helped with renovations, serving food, sourcing donations and ministering to the homeless. Grote worked in the Selbyville and Fenwick Bayside McDonald’s locations since he was 14 and is attending Liberty University where he is studying software engineering. He plans to be an app developer.

McKenzie Tubbs was an active member of the Indian River High School lacrosse team and LEO Club. She also enjoyed working with the Tim Tebow project Night to Shine, which helps students with special needs have a prom night experience. A team member of the Millsboro McDonald’s since she was 14, McKenzie is attending the University of Delaware where she is studying occupational therapy. She hopes to work with children with special needs as an occupational therapist.

“It’s not just about the food we serve or the restaurants we serve it in. It’s about the communities in which our restaurants operate. Each of our communities is unique, and we strive to find ways we can make the greatest impact in every one of them,” said Meoli.

For more information, go to MeoliCompanies.com.