The Krystal Company has selected 15 employees to receive $37,500 in scholarship awards. These recipients were chosen from applications received during the inaugural grant window for the quick-service restaurant's first-ever scholarship program for employees. The new application window opens February 15 through April 1 with an additional $50,000 allocated for eligible employees who demonstrate leadership, community involvement and a desire to advance their careers through education.

"We're delighted, to provide this opportunity, because our employees are everything," said Paul Macaluso, Krystal president and CEO. "Krystal's success is driven by our hard-working, dedicated team members. As a company, we want to recruit and retain the best and brightest people and empower them to further their personal and professional aspirations with Square Up Scholarships."

Winners included Amy Garcia, a shift leader who is studying public health at the University of Tampa in Florida. Crew Member Savannah Woody is studying surgical technology at Roane State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. Restaurant Support Center Field Trainer Ashley High is in her senior year working toward a bachelor's degree in education in Atlanta.

"This scholarship takes the burden off worrying about school fees and hassles and helps me apply my focus on what is most important," High said. "I am grateful to be one of the winners and meet my goals."

The Square Up Scholarship awards are $2,500 each and may be used toward four-year or two-year degrees, trade degrees or technical certifications from accredited learning institutions. Krystal will announce Square Up Scholarship recipients in May for the 2019 fall term. Eligible employees must be enrolled in at least one class per semester, be in good standing and have a six-month employment tenure with the company and may apply at krystal.com/scholarships.