Fred Beans Automotive Group recently presented the inaugural Marc Kulp Memorial Scholarship to Payton McGarry, a senior studying automotive service technology at the Technical College High School Brandywine Campus. McGarry became a clear choice for the scholarship, demonstrating her passion for the automotive industry through her resume, multiple recommendations and scholarship application.
A Downingtown native, McGarry received the Marc Kulp Memorial Scholarship on Friday, June 6, at a small ceremony held at Fred Beans Ford of Exton, where she currently works part-time. The scholarship will cover one year of tuition for her to attend the Universal Technical Institute (UTI).
The scholarship honors Marc Kulp, who lost his life last year in a tragic accident. He was a 2018 graduate of Bucks County Technical High School before furthering his automotive training at UTI. He joined the Ford Service Center at Fred Beans of Newtown at just 18 years old and served as a dedicated and highly skilled technician for seven years.
The Marc Kulp Memorial Scholarship is awarded by a selection committee that includes Fred Beans representatives and Kulp’s mother. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary automotive technician program, with preference given to students interested in attending UTI.
In her scholarship application, McGarry said she plans to complete every automotive and diesel course offered at UTI and earn industry certifications that will move her closer to her goal of becoming a master technician. She said through her journey, she hopes to “pave the way for and inspire” other young women to excel in the automotive industry.
“Payton’s long-term ambition to be a mentor for future generations of women in automotive make her an ideal recipient of the inaugural Marc Kulp Memorial Scholarship,” said Beth Beans Gilbert, vice president of Fred Beans Automotive Group. “Marc, too, had a genuine passion for his work and was driven to become a highly skilled technician and an invaluable member of our team. His legacy will endure through scholarship recipients, like Payton.”
In addition to small fundraising efforts involving Beans employees, the Marc Kulp Memorial Scholarship is funded by the Fred Beans Charitable Foundation.
About Fred Beans Automotive Group
Fred Beans Automotive Group encompasses 30 dealerships, 21 brands, eight Fred Beans collision centers (franchised CARSTAR), two AutoExpress locations, a parts warehouse, two Carquest locations, four Autorents rental locations, and commercial truck sales. The company established the Fred Beans Charitable Trust in 2000 to give back to the community, prioritizing among organizations whose focus spans youth and education, human services, arts and culture, and community development. Learn more at https://www.fredbeans.com/.