Daughter of Simonton Employee Wins National AAMA Scholarship

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – Andrea Hatfield, a graduating senior from Ritchie County High School in West Virginia, is one of just five students nationwide that will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Hatfield will use the funds to pursue an education in architecture at Fairmont State University.

“I found out about the scholarship opportunity at work,” says Andrea’s mother Michelle Hatfield, a six-year employee at Simonton Windows® in Pennsboro, W. Va. “Andrea has always been interested in math, buildings and the windows I make, so I thought it might be a good fit for her to apply for this scholarship.”

According to AAMA representatives, 68 students nationwide applied for the highly sought-after scholarships. “We were pleased to see that the judges recognized Andrea’s passion for architecture and her commitment to gaining an education in this area,” says Janice Charletta, AAMA’s association services director. “Her application reflects that she’s been a dedicated high school student, and we’re proud to help her pursue her education in the architectural arena.”

An honor society and principal’s list honor roll student, Hatfield graduated with a 3.92 GPA. She especially enjoyed her drafting and CAD classes during high school and looks forward to tackling more advanced courses in college.

“I made my decision to become an architect when I was about nine years old,” says Andrea Hatfield. “I view buildings as art and architects as the artists creating beauty around us. I cannot drive down the road without looking at every building and think that someday I will be designing buildings like those.”

In addition to her AAMA Scholarship, Hatfield has also been awarded a Promise Scholarship from the State of West Virginia, and the Ritchie County Board of Education Book Scholarship. A serious student with a love of mathematics, Hatfield built her own white and pink race car this year for a senior class project. She races the four-cylinder class car at the Tyler County (W.Va.) Speedway and routinely beats the guys on the track.

“I’m passionate about whatever I do,” says Hatfield. “I was the only girl in my CAD class, and I’m one of only two girls on the track team. That doesn’t stop me at all from pursuing my goals. Right now I’m completely focused on my architectural education. I think it would be very special to someday specify the windows in a project that my mom creates at Simonton.”

Cristen Baca, Simonton Windows’ vice president of new product development, agrees. “To have a student with Andrea’s enthusiasm and interest in architecture win this scholarship is a great connection to our company,” says Baca. “Her parents --- who both work with glass --- have inspired her in many ways. We’re honored by her association to Simonton and look forward to watching her succeed in reaching her architectural goals.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009, 2008 and 2006 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Studies^SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best-In-Class Awards from Market Research Associates. Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and security business of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-winning products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States.

For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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Simonton Windows received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Studies.^SM 2009 study based on responses from 3,109 builders and remodelers measuring 16 manufacturers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of builders and remodelers surveyed in April-May 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.