CARROLLTON, GA – A virtual Zoom meeting of what appeared to be a random focus group of 10 Chick-fil-A associates from all over the country suddenly turned into a life-changing event for all of them Wednesday when Chairman and CEO Dan Cathy came on camera to make a big announcement – they all were being awarded the $25,000 True Inspiration Scholarship.

One of the 10 was Carrollton High School senior Estefanny Perez-Martinez, who is a team member of local owner-operator David Daniels’ restaurants. The odds that she was selected – and the others – is significant because tens of thousands of other Chick-fil-A associates were in the running.

“We could not be more proud of Estefanny as this year’s True Inspiration Scholarship winner,” said Daniels. “She has been a wonderful addition to our staff. I am a firm believer in education and I’m glad to be a part of the celebration with her. Her hard work here in the restaurant as well as her dedication to her schoolwork and involvement in this community really shine brightly. She truly is an inspiration to all those who know her!”

Estefanny is a top academic student and has had offers from many colleges. But Daniels said the True Inspiration award could possibly make a difference on where she decides to go.

While Estefanny was in one room participating in the virtual call, in another Carrollton Chick-fil-A leader-associates were on standby awaiting the big announcement. Once Cathy came on camera and told the associates they were the 2021 scholarship recipients, the coworkers poured out of their room into hers. Joining them was her mother, Dunia Martinez Romero. When she entered the room she cried – along with her daughter.

Ashleigh Paulk, who was Estefanny’s counselor at CHS, said the scholarship couldn’t have gone to a more deserving student.

“Estefanny is a student who I will always remember,” said Paulk. “She has high expectations and is truly invested in her future. She is focused, dedicated, and works hard to achieve her goals. I couldn’t be more proud.”

In addition to working part-time at Chick-fil-A, Estefanny is an involved high school student who is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate at CHS and serves as an IB ambassador for the Class of 2021. She is also a member of the CHS cross country team, the National Honor Society,  Beta Club, Key Club, and FBLA. 

“Estefanny is an impressive student who balances with skill a rigorous academic schedule, school and community activities, as well as a job,” said CHS Principal David Brooks. “She is the epitome of the well-rounded student who will go far. I am very proud of her.”

Daniels said as a True Inspiration Scholarship recipient, Estefanny not only will get the sizable financial award, she also will be assigned a mentor from Chick-fil-A corporate leadership who will connect with her monthly throughout her college years and most likely beyond. Estefanny also received a MacBook Pro laptop computer as an additional surprise, packed in an oversized and customized “sauce pack” produced by the Chick-fil-A corporate marketing team.

“This is why I do this,” said Daniels. “It’s not about chicken. It’s about having the opportunity to impact the lives of young people.”

Daniels said scholarships at Chick-fil-A began when founder Truett Cathy set an empty mayonnaise jar on his restaurant counter to start a college fund for team member Eddie White. Since 1973, Chick-fil-A has invested $92 million in scholarships to help more than 59,000 associates pursue a college education and achieve their remarkable future — whether it’s with Chick-fil-A or elsewhere.

CUTLINES

A covert Chick-fil-A coworker was able to snap this photo of Estefanny Perez-Martinez when she first heard the announcement she was a True Inspiration Scholarship award recipient.

Carrollton Chick-fil-A owner-operator David Daniels joins Estefanny on a Zoom call with company CEO Dan Cathy and other associates who learned they were one of the 10 scholarship recipients for 2021. Unbeknown to Estefanny at the time, she also received a MacBook Pro laptop computer as an additional surprise, packed in the oversized and customized “sauce pack” to her right.

Daniels, Estefanny and her mother Dunia Martinez Romero pose with a big check representing the True Inspiration scholarship award.

Carrollton City Schools Supt. Dr. Mark Albertus also joined the surprise presentation and poses here with Estefanny following congratulating her on the award.