Jacob Norris, a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from Monterey, Louisiana, was named recipient of a $1,000 Focus on the Future Scholarship presented by Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC), an award created last year in partnership with more than 40 colleges and universities in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, including Northwestern State University. The Focus on the Future program is designed to reward students in BGC’s market areas for their dedication, hard work and outstanding academic achievements.

Greg Robinson vice president, District Manager for Super 1 Foods, said Focus on the Future is representative of BGC’s values.

“One of BGC’s six core values is ‘Results-Driven with a Future Focus,’ meaning that BGGC strives for positive results every day,” Robinson said. “This allows the company to better serve its customers, communities and employee-partners.  GBC intends for this scholarship program to aid students who need financial assistance to obtain a higher education, in focusing on their endeavors to become future community leaders.”

Norris is employed at the Natchitoches Super 1 Food store on Keyser Avenue and has worked there since May.

“This will help buy books and will help with what I owe for books.  It’s going to help me out a lot,” Norris said.

BGC announced the creation of the Focus on the Future Scholarship program last year through a donation of more than $1 million to colleges and universities in the communities it serves, including a $25,000 endowment to the NSU Foundation.  The scholarship is available to both graduate and undergraduate students.

“We could not do what we do and thrive without local businesses offering support for us,” said Director of Development Jill Bankston. “We really appreciate the support of BGC and congratulate Jacob on receiving the award.”

Based in Tyler, Texas, BGC is a regional family-owned grocery business that employs more than 15,000 individuals throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. The company operates more than 180 stores under the Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s and Spring Market banners, along with three distribution centers and corporate offices.