Bryant Burger King employee surprised with $20,000 scholarship
BRYANT, Ark. – A Bryant Burger King shift lead was surprised at work Thursday with a $20,000 scholarship to further pursue her dream of becoming a NICU nurse as she works towards her associate's degree at Pulaski Technical College.
'I told myself that going for nursing is going to be expensive and I'd take all the money I can get,' scholarship recipient Cameron Whitaker said.
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Members of the Burger King Foundation, which helps community members pursue their education with undergraduate, graduate, vocational school and technical school degrees, presented Whitaker with the check.
'It was definitely a stress,' Whitaker said. 'Wondering how can I pay for it because I know it's expensive.'
Whitaker became the first ever recipient of the newly established scholarship created in honor of Nancy McLamore, the late wife of Burger King co-founder Jim McLamore.
'It feels amazing,' Whitaker said while holding the check. 'You can't be anything in life without the support of others.'
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Talia Gonzalez, the senior analyst of programs for the Burger King Foundation, said the money was provided by the MacLemore family and rewarded to Whitaker for her dedication as a long-time employee of the company and her academic achievements.
'When we were looking through the applications her time with us stood out and we are just really happy to be able to give her that opportunity,' Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said after hearing Whitaker's story, a baby born in a neonatal intensive care unit who wanted to jump into the same medical field, 'there was no one more deserving.'
Whitaker has been an employee at the Bryant Burger King since 2021 and said the scholarship gives her hope she'll reach her 'end goal' no matter what.
'I feel like I'm on top of the world,' Whitaker said. 'Nothing is going to stop me from chasing my dream.'
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Gonzalez said over the next two years, Whitaker will also be able to apply for additional $1,000 scholarships through the foundation as she continues to pursue her education.
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