MATTHEW BURNETTE, Staff Writer

Great Lakes Cheese is looking to help one Coffee County Central High School student in their pursuit of a STEM degree in a big way.

“Our vision statement for Great Lakes Cheese is “Together For Generations To Come,” and the Epprecht family is passionate about taking that into the community of how we can support the next generation,” explained Manchester Plant Manager Dawn Butcher. “We want to look for opportunities within the local high school that we can support a student, so they’ve developed a scholarship program. It is for individuals for up to a four-year degree $15,000 a year.”

The Epprecht Family Foundation, started by Great Lakes Cheese founder Hans Epprecht in 2015, offers scholarships to deserving high school students in the nine school districts where Great Lakes Cheese plants are located, Coffee County included, to be used at any higher education institution of their choosing, in-state or out-of-state.

Qualifying students must be a graduating senior at CCHS, have a 3.5 cumulative GPA upon applying, display financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), must have completed community service over and above the minimum required by their high school and must be going into the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

“We’ve had some amazing individuals that have gone on to see great success, and we’ve even had individuals that have come back within the Great Lakes Cheese community,” says Butcher. “At some of our other facilities, they’ve gotten jobs back at Great Lakes Cheese, and so, though we would love that, for us if we can just support the STEM community in that next generation, that’s what’s important to us.”

Butcher explained that, although some may not realize it, STEM is a big part of the day-to-day operations of Great Lakes Cheese, which is why the company emphasizes its importance.

“People don’t always see food as Food Science, but that truly is what we are, you know, Food Science behind the making and the packaging of the cheese, and so any way that we can help support the community to really put STEM as a priority is important to us, and so that’s part of who we are as a community,” she added.

Manchester Plant Human Resources Manager Robin Walton noted that the deadline for the scholarship says Feb. 1, but they’re extending the deadline until March 1.

“Once interested candidates make their submissions, their applications and essays are evaluated.  Then qualifying candidates are asked to come to the plant for an interview to discuss their goals, dreams, as well as needs,” says Walton. “It’s our opportunity to provide assistance for the student focused on making their goals and dreams a reality.”

To apply for the scholarship or for information, visit www.epprechtfamilyfoundation.org.