Medical Student Awarded $10,000 For Education By Rail Passengers

For Immediate Release (18-33)

Contact: Xenophon Strategies - (202) 289-4001

Jackson, MS - Third-year medical student Steve Grado Jr. was the recipient of a $10,000 award from the Rail Passengers Association. The check was presented to Grado today at his school, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, by Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews. Grado was entered by his father, Steve Grado Sr., into an education sweepstakes hosted by the Association.

“This award means a lot to me and my family,” said Grado, who regularly utilizes Amtrak for travel. “The support from the Rail Passengers Association will help with all the costs that come with not only education, but medical school. I’ll make sure to put it to good use as I earn my medical degree.”

The Rail Passengers Association launched the education sweepstakes in February for college students who could use assistance paying for higher education. Students who were entering the 2018-2019 school year could nominate themselves or be nominated by a friend or family member. Grado was selected as the recipient of the sweepstakes in April.

“We understand that paying for college is not easy, especially for students who may not live on campus and need to utilize public transit to get to and from class everyday. Pay for transit, books, classes and more, adds up,” said Mathews, who presented the giant check to Grado. “I’m honored to be able to present the award for Steve and help him accomplish his dream of becoming a doctor.

Grado began his higher education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. After graduating, Grado worked there for two years and often travelled between Charlottesville and home on the Amtrak Crescent many times, as opposed to making a 13-hour drive.

Director of Financial Aid at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Carrie Cooper, was also on hand during the presentation of the check to Grado.

About the Rail Passengers Association
The Rail Passengers Association, previously known as the National Association of Railroad Passengers, is the oldest and largest national organization speaking for the nearly 40 million users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more than 28,000 individual members nationwide