AFL Announces 2016 2017 Naruse Scholarship

23/05/2016

Spartanburg, SC – AFL awarded the 2016-2017 Naruse Academic Scholarship to two individuals this year. Katherine Featherstone, daughter of Richard Featherstone, director of manufacturing growth and capital projects for AFL, and Jon Latimer, son of Brian Latimer, services field technician for AFL in Canada, have both shown exemplary academic success and community involvement.

Katherine Featherstone is graduating as an AP Scholar with distinction from J.L. Mann. Having served as co-captain of the varsity tennis team, senior class treasurer and as President of Service for J.L. Mann’s National Honor Society, Katherine is also active with Mann Nation (J.L. Mann’s Spirit Club), Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Forensics Club. Alongside these activities, Katherine teaches Sunday school, participates with Youth Leadership Greenville and Palmetto Girls State, a one-week leadership and citizenship training program.

As a member of the Teacher Cadet Program sponsored by Clemson University, Katherine learned the value of education as she watched children flourish with newfound knowledge. She became increasingly interested in the science behind driving this behavior which led her to apply to Clemson University to pursue a degree in sociology.

Jon Latimer is graduating from Medicine Hat High School in Canada. Jon is an avid volunteer at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), City of Medicine Hat Litter Blitz and Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. While attending high school, he was a dedicated member of the school band, playing the trombone, performing in several concerts each year. Since early childhood, Jon has aspired to become a teacher and is following his aspirations by pursuing a degree in education at Medicine Hat College with plans to continue his education at a post-secondary institution.

Each year, AFL awards a four-year scholarship to the son or daughter of a North American-based AFL associate entering a college or university. The scholarship was named in memory of Toshihide Naruse, Managing Director of Fujikura, AFL’s parent company. Mr. Naruse’s contributions to AFL were significant, and because of his personal interest in higher education, AFL continues to honor his memory.

For more information about AFL and its Community Outreach Program, www.AFLglobal.com/community.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. 

Contact
Corie Culp
Community Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com