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Markel American Insurance Company awards scholarships to BUILD Moto Mentor students


motorcycle (select to view enlarged photo)

WAUKESHA, WI--Aug. 14, 2013: Markel American Insurance Company recently awarded scholarships to two students who participated in the BUILD Moto Mentor program. BUILD, founded by The Iron Horse Hotel in 2011, provides Milwaukee-area high school students the opportunity to learn valuable trade, life, business and interpersonal skills through the restoration of vintage motorcycles. Three student teams were given $2,000 and 100 days each to rebuild a vintage "barn-condition" race bike to American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association racing standards.

For over 40 years, Markel has specialized in providing affordable, comprehensive insurance protection to motorcyclists. As riders and motorcycle enthusiasts themselves, Markel is proud to continue their three year partnership with the BUILD Moto Mentor program. "It's very rewarding to see young people learning new skills and working together as a team to bring ideas to life", said Audrey Hanken, President of Markel American Insurance Company.

The $500 scholarships were presented to students who will be attending college, technical or trade schools this fall. Winners were selected based on nomination by their BUILD team's mentor and submissions from the students that shared their experience in the BUILD program.

The scholarship recipients are Tajh Virgil and Zavier Lawrence-Primer, both of the Running Rebels Community Organization team. They were each presented their scholarship at the Rockerbox Motofest on Saturday, August 3rd, when all three BUILD motorcycles were on display for the general public.

"These students work really hard to make the bikes works of art," said Mark Hoedel, BUILD Mentor. "It's so much fun to watch their skills progress throughout the project and to see it all come together at the end of the competition."