AAA South Jersey Awards $2,500 to 2024 High School Scholarship Winner

VOORHEES, N.J. (May 31, 2024) – AAA South Jersey is proud to announce Gryphon Seright as the winner of our annual high school scholarship essay contest for 2024. Gryphon, a senior at Camden County Technical School at Gloucester Township, was awarded the $2,500 scholarship for her winning submission.

Out of nearly 200 submissions, Gryphon’s essay was unanimously selected by our three independent judges as the winner.

Gryphon will be attending Stockton University in the fall, majoring in digital studies and minoring in creative writing.

This year’s contest returned to a written essay format. Entrants were asked to write a 500-word essay on the follow topic:

“AAA is best known for its trusted roadside assistance but members also have access to full-service vacation planning, insurance and financial services, discounts at thousands of local and national businesses, and much more. What benefits interest you the most and why? As an incoming college student, how can a AAA membership benefit you?”

The annual AAA South Jersey Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or technical school. To be eligible, the student must reside and attend school in Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, or Salem Counties.

You can read Gryphon's essay below.

The transition from high school to college, from teenager to young adult, is a monumental step in one’s life. It comes with a newfound independence that is exciting but also comes with more responsibilities and challenges. For many, this time also holds a major milestone in a teenager’s life, getting their license and first car. This milestone allows increased freedom and the ability to explore new horizons. Whether they get a car handed down from within their family, purchase a used car or a new car, in my family the go-to gift for a new driver is gifting them an American Automobile Association (AAA) membership. In my case, receiving the thoughtful gift of an AAA membership has proven to be an invaluable asset, providing myself and my parents a sense of security and peace of mind along with some unexpected perks.

As a soon to be college freshman who will be commuting 30 miles each way per day, the most significant AAA benefits that resonate with me is the comprehensive roadside assistance service. Commuting to and from college will involve navigating some unfamiliar roads and the unpredictability of a vehicle breakdown can be a scary prospect. AAA’s 24/7 roadside assistance acts as a reliable safety net, offering prompt assistance with flat tires, dead batteries or numerous other unexpected troubles. Knowing that safe help is just a phone call away provides a reassuring sense of security not only for myself but for my parents.

While roadside assistance was the reason, I was gifted an AAA membership, it has come with several other valuable benefits. As a commuter, the trip planning benefits offered by AAA are equally compelling. College life will be filled with various commitments and opportunities. Time management and effectiveness will be crucial. AAA’s trip planning services will come to my rescue, offering detailed maps, travel guides and route suggestions. Planning a journey will be a seamless process allowing me to continue to focus on academics and extracurricular activities and events without the added stress of navigating the unfamiliar routes. This isn’t solely about finding a quick route from point A to B on a map or GPS, it’s about optimizing my time and ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience, along with some tips and tricks along the route.

Another huge perk I’m excited to take advantage of are travel discounts. As a college student, the budget will always have to be a priority when traveling. Whether its traveling to visit family, potential internships or even a road trip with friends, having access to exclusive discounts on car rentals, hotels and even vacation packages will lighten the financial burden associated with trips. This benefit aligns perfectly with budget conscious college students making it easier to explore new places and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Another noteworthy benefit of AAA membership is their car insurance discounts. Car insurance, especially in New Jersey is high. Being part of AAA opens the door to potential discounts on auto insurance premiums. This aspect of AAA’s membership is not just a practical way that AAA provides financial benefit but also gives testament to AAA’s pledge of supporting their members through various stages of life.

Beyond practical benefits, there are some lifestyle community involvement benefits as well. The organization provides a sense of community through member events and exclusive discounts on goods and services. As a new college student, being involved in community events organized by AAA presents a great opportunity for me to connect with fellow students and establish a connection to the new environment.

The AAA membership that I received upon getting my license is a key tool in my arsenal that is critical to my success. The roadside assistance while commuting and traveling is paramount of importance, ensuring a safe and secure commute. The convenience of trip planning along with discounted car rentals and hotels will make traveling possible on a tight budget. The potential discounts on insurance will help to set me up for future success when living on my own and becoming financially independent from my parents. The community events will help to ensure a sense of belonging with my new college community. These assets collectively will contribute to a holistic and student friendly experience, demonstrating that AAA is so much more than roadside assistance but a multifaceted asset that will take me through college and beyond. This AAA membership will be a crucial tool in navigating and succeeding in college and beyond.