The AFCCA is dedicated to promoting the further development of professional, ethical, responsive death care providers that are a credit to the industry. This is why the  William Aaron Scholarship Program was created for current Mortuary Science students at Mesa Community College.

Each year, AFCCA offers a scholarship to a 2nd year student, with a B or better grade point average. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.

Applicants that meet the criteria are asked to submit an essay on “Why They Want to be a Funeral Director.” A scholarship committee, made up of board members, reviews all applications and chooses the student that best reflects professionalism, ethical actions and has a passion for the industry.

Tuesday, March 1, AFCCA Board Secretary Amie Gazda announced this years winner of the $1000 scholarship as James Kevin Veal. They paid a visit out to the Mortuary Sciences College in Mesa to share the great news.

Congratulations again to Kevin!

“We all belong to a community, and in each one, we typically hold roles in which we have opportunities to serve people in the place we live and work in. These opportunities are foundations upon which we can build trustworthy business relationships with others.”

“This work is not about me, but about those whom I will serve, along with my fellow co-workers who help and assist me with serving others. The ability to work well with other funeral personnel is entirely crucial for they are also around me to help families through very hard times. I will trust those who I work with, for I can’t do it alone. I’ve always felt a strong camaraderie in working in a funeral home, sharing the same goal with other funeral directors serving in the community with these unique tasks.”

“The most rewarding thing from working in this profession is having the opportunity to learn about someone else’s life from the perspective of those who loved them most.”