Daytona Graduate Receives WyoTech Scholarship Award

Daytona, Florida, January 20, 2009: Following an intense selection process, graduate Rafael Rios has been named the winner of WyoTech-Daytona’s annual Dream Award.

The Dream Award recognizes one WyoTech graduate from each campus who has overcome great odds to achieve his or her dreams through education. The award winners are selected from a pool of hundreds of WyoTech graduates who have persevered in their studies and found success in his or her chosen field. Rios will receive a $2,500 scholarship to any WyoTech school to pursue an advanced program in his field of study.

Rios’ story is unique. Before completing WyoTech-Daytona’s Motorcycle Technician program (with specialty training in Harley-Davidson, BMW and Ducati motorcycles), Rios served honorably in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. In fact, Rios was able to attend WyoTech with the education benefits he received as the result of service. Rios was a model student. His attitude, demeanor and professionalism with the faculty and staff were exemplary despite difficulties in his personal life. One week prior to graduation, Rios was once again called to active duty and reported for his second tour in Iraq two weeks later. While in Iraq, Rios shared his enthusiasm for WyoTech by distributing brochures to his fellow soldiers. Rios didn’t just change his own life – he worked to help others change their lives as well.

According to Steve Whitson, Division Director of Education and former President of WyoTech-Daytona, “Mr. Rios is a fine example of how an individual can improve one’s life by combining a positive mental outlook with drive and determination. He is an excellent representative of the mission of WyoTech.”

After Rios returned from Iraq, he stayed in contact with WyoTech-Daytona Career Services during the process of reentering civilian life. Through this interaction he accepted the position of Aftersales Regional Manager for Latin America for Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. Not only will this high profile position allow Rafael to develop a tremendous career for himself, but he will continue to be a fantastic spokesperson for WyoTech.