On Wednesday, June 15, 2016 the Nashville Advertising Co-op of Sonic Drive-Ins awarded forty-five $1,000 scholarships to employees of their drive-ins. Over the past 20 years the Nashville Advertising Co-op of Sonic Drive-Ins has given in excess of $990,000 in scholarships to employees of their drive-ins. The program began as the idea of Robert Newberry, owner and operator of the Lewisburg, Tennessee. Sonic Drive-In. At the time the scholarship program started, Newberry and other operators were looking for incentives that would help reduce turnover and attract higher caliber employees. He states, “aiding employees in their education experience has helped many drive-ins keep well-trained associates on board.”

In order to qualify for receiving these scholarships, the employees must have worked in the drive-in for at least one year; acquire written recommendations from their store managers, teachers, and other community leaders; and have completed high school and be accepted in good standing with a college or university.

Pictured is Seth Daniels of the Sonic Drive-In of Albany. Seth was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Seth is attending Lindsey Wilson College as a freshmen majoring in communications. Pictured with Seth are Penny Duvall (left) and Dwana Myers (right), assistant manager and owner/property of the Drive-In.