Grayson Jamroch

Kasey Eberth

Missouri Travel Council is again awarding two $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing hospitality, travel and tourism-related majors in Missouri.

This year’s winners are:

• Kasey Eberth, a junior from Kansas City who is majoring in hospitality leadership with a minor in sales and marketing at Missouri State University.
• Grayson Jamroch, a junior from Stockton, is majoring in hospitality leadership with a minor in culinary arts at MSU.

MTC awards the Bob Smith Tourism Scholarship annually and over the past 19 years has provided $32,000 in scholarships to 32 students. The scholarship is named in recognition and appreciation of R.B. “Bob” Smith, III, a long-time employee of the Missouri Division of Tourism who served in a number of capacities over the years, including deputy director and interim director.

Scholarship applicants are required to meet several criteria, including being a full-time student at an accredited college or university in Missouri with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to complete an application and provide a narrative that gives judges insight into their academic activities and achievements; community involvement; hospitality and tourism experience (work or volunteer); and goals and future career plans, including a statement of why they are pursuing a career in hospitality, travel and tourism.

MTC is the official private sector umbrella organization of the tourism industry in Missouri. As a 501(c)6, nonprofit association, its primary aim is to provide economic, social and educational benefits to its broadly based membership through professional development, public policy and sales and marketing efforts. MTC helps strengthen development, promotion and sustainable growth of the Missouri tourism industry for visitors and residents.