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DENTON, MD — The Meoli Companies, operators of McDonald’s restaurants across Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, have awarded $12,000 in scholarships to six employees pursuing higher education. Five of this year’s recipients work at restaurants on the Delmarva Peninsula, with an additional recipient from the company’s Virginia restaurants.
The scholarship program recognizes employees for their academic goals, community involvement, work experience and ability to overcome challenges. With one in eight Americans having worked at a McDonald’s restaurant, the experience has served as an important starting point for many young people as they begin building their careers.
“These scholarships are about recognizing our employees for what they’re accomplishing both inside and outside of our restaurants,” said Michael A. Meoli, Owner and Operator of The Meoli Family McDonald’s Restaurants. “For many, McDonald’s is their first job, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping them build skills, continue their education and take that next step toward their future.”
Among this year’s winners is George Schwaeble, a team member at the Denton McDonald’s who will attend the University of Maryland, College Park this fall.
George began working at McDonald’s when he was 14 with a goal of becoming financially independent and beginning to save for the future. McDonald’s was one of the few employers in his area willing to hire younger workers.
“I chose to work at McDonald’s because I wanted to start building financial independence at a young age,” said George. “I was motivated to begin saving for important future goals, including a car and college.”
George has also taken on leadership roles at school, work and in his community. George has served as NHS Treasurer and a PBIS Representative, supported track and cross-country teams as a manager, volunteered in his community and helped lead a community clean-up. At McDonald’s, his role as a Crew Trainer has also helped him strengthen his communication and leadership skills.
For George, continuing his education is about more than earning a degree.
“To me, furthering my education means more than simply gaining knowledge. It means growing into a person who can use that knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” he said.
George credits his father, a police officer, as his greatest inspiration. Watching his father’s dedication to serving others, he said, has shaped his own understanding of service and responsibility.
The Meoli Companies scholarship program is designed to support employees who are continuing their education while recognizing the work they have already put into their schools, communities and restaurants. This year, six employees will each receive $2,000 to support their continued education. The recipients represent restaurants across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and will continue their education at colleges and universities this fall.
The scholarships are part of The Meoli Companies’ broader commitment to helping employees build skills and pursue opportunities beyond the restaurant. In addition to the company’s own scholarship program, employees can take advantage of McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program, which offers resources including high school completion, college tuition assistance, English/Spanish language courses, and academic and career advising.
