UPS surprises Fairhope student with scholarship delivery – fox10tv.com
FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) – Off Baldwin County’s Twin Beach Road — UPS rolled up and backed in for a very special delivery for a very deserving young man.
“Hey Cooper — come on over here man — we got something for you! Listen — on behalf of the National Down Syndrome Foundation — $5,000 for your scholarship Cooper. Congratulations bud!”
A 2022 graduate of Fairhope High School — Cooper Long is one of five students nationwide to receive the Jake Pratt Scholarship through the National Down Syndrome Congress and UPS Foundation.
“That felt really good,” said Cooper.
Cooper is currently in his 3rd year majoring in human development — through the University of Alabama’s “Crossing Point Program.” Now looking the part in his brown shirt and shorts — he’s also an honorary UPS employee.
Set to retire in three days after more than 36 years with UPS — Mark Fuqua is what they call a “Circle of Honor” driver — accident free for 30 years. Among his final deliveries — he says it’s one of the most rewarding.
“This is awesome — it’s a great honor for me — but most of all I’m proud for Cooper and hope he gets to make the best of that. He looks like a great young man and doing good things,” said Fuqua.
The partnership for UPS — is all about delivering smiles!
“That was rewarding — that was extremely rewarding. That was pure joy — Cooper absolutely enjoyed it. I know it’s going to go to great use. Cooper’s going to use that money well,” said David Hubner, UPS Supervisor Baldwin County Facility.
The scholarship comes just in time as Cooper is set to head back to Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
“Lee: What are you looking forward to this last year? — Cooper: Going back to the games. See all the pretty women!”
With $5K in hand — Cooper is ready to roll in more ways than one.
Cooper: “Roll tide!!!”
Cooper has worked hard and earned scholarship awards at both the national and state level. Congratulations, Cooper!
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