Contact: Walt Bishop
(202) 974-5230

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI Names First Recipient of Molders Scholarship

Washington (April 27, 2001) — The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) Molders Division announced that it has awarded its first annual Plastic Molders Foundation Scholarship to Michael McCullogh, a student at Pennsylvania State University at Erie and a process engineer with OEM/Erie Custom Molding in Erie, Pa.

In announcing the award, SPI Molders Division Chairman David Hidding, vice president of Dana Molded Products, said, “Skilled employees are the future of the plastics industry. By providing this scholarship, SPI is helping young people pursue the necessary education that can lead to a fulfilling career in plastics.”

McCullough, who is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in Plastics Engineering Technology at Penn State-Erie, received a $1,000 scholarship.

The SPI Molders Foundation Scholarship is awarded on the basis of a competitive process that considers academic achievement, extracurricular activities, a personal statement, financial need and references.

McCullough's references from professors and employers cited his leadership, strong academic standing and personal character.

McCullough, who aspires to own a plastics-related business in the future, plans to pursue additional training and education in plastics after completing his bachelor's degree. He is a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) as well as the SPE Sigma Pi Epsilon National Honor Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. He has been named to the Dean's List at Penn State and was recognized as a National Plastics Pioneers Scholar. He also has been nominated for “Who's Who in Polymers and Plastics,” “Who's Who Among American High School Students.”

The SPI Molders Division scholarships are awarded annually. For information on the scholarship program, contact Jennifer Pedri, (202) 974-5231; e-mail jpedri@socplas.org.

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,500 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.5 million workers and provides $304 billion in annual shipments.

Note to Editors: A photograph of the award winner is available.

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