For the past 25 years Bauer Built Inc. has honored its past and present with the presentation of scholarships to high school seniors. The gifts are named in honor of the tire dealer's founders, G.F. "Sam" and Ethel V. Bauer, and they're given to the children and grandchildren of Bauer Built employees.
Six high school seniors have earned the $1,500 prize from the class of 2019.
Emily Annis is the daughter of Matt and Jessi Annis. Matt is an outside sales representative at the Bauer Built Tire Center in Eau Claire, Wis. Emily plans to attend the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire to study information systems and communications.
Emily Ballines is the daughter of Omar Ballines and Ariadnna Ballines. Omar is a heavy duty service technician at the Bauer Built Tire Center in Romeoville, Ill. Emily plans to attend Aurora University to study social work.
Gabriella Aguirre is the daughter of Roberto and Jill Aguirre. Roberto is a heavy duty service technician at Bauer Built Tire Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gabriella plans to attend Iowa State University to study journalism and event management.
Sydnie Coster is the daughter of Scott Coster and Francie Quem and granddaughter of Mark and Annie Myers. Mark is a tire retreader at the retread shop in St. Paul, Minn. Sydnie plans to attend Colorado School of Mines to study mechanical engineering.
Chloe Bauler is the daughter of Katie Lewis-Carey and the granddaughter of Randy Lewis. Randy is an alignment technician at the Bauer Built Tire Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Chloe plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal ecology and forestry.
Sofia Rivera is the daughter of Valeria Bedoy and Jesus Aguirre of Northlake, Ill., and the granddaughter of Jesus and Sonia Bedoy. Jesus is a service manager at the Bauer Built Tire Center in Romeoville. Sofia plans to attend Loyola University to study in criminal justice.
To be eligible, applicants must be a Bauer Built employee, a son or daughter, stepson or stepdaughter, or grandchild of a Bauer Built employee who is graduating from high school and enrolled in a post-secondary course of instruction. Each applicant must submit a hand-written essay on the field of study being pursued along with their career goals, two letters of recommendation, and verification of grade-point average with their application.
Bauer Built started the scholarship program in 1994 as part of celebrating its 50th year in business. In 2019 the company, based in Durand, Wis., marks 75 years of operations. Since 1994, Bauer Built has awarded $111,000 in scholarships.
The company has 40 tire locations, seven Michelin Retread Technology retread plants, and three wheel-refinishing operations. They also operate a bulk petroleum business from their headquarters in Durand. Bauer Built is the ninth largest commercial tire dealer and the ninth largest retreader in the U.S.
