Albert Lea High School graduate Lisbeth Magdaleno Garcia, an independently-owned McDonald’s restaurant employee at the Albert Lea Trail’s McDonald’s, was recently awarded a $2,500 McDonald’s National Employee Scholarship Award as part of the company’s Archways to Opportunity program. This is her second year in a row receiving this scholarship, making her Courtesy Corporation-McDonald’s only two-time winner.

Magdaleno Garcia is among several employees working at independently owned McDonald’s restaurants nationwide selected to receive the honor for their outstanding contributions, scholastic achievements and community involvement.

Magdaleno Garcia, who joined the McDonald’s restaurant team in March 2015, was also involved in band, orchestra, student teaching, and was the president of National Honor Society in high school. She was the first in her family to graduate high school and attends Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where she is studying music education. She will be transferring to a different school in the fall.

As her general manager, Andrew Witt said, “Lisbeth is driven, focused, tries to always do her best, and is driven by perfection.

“Lisbeth exemplifies the qualities of a true leader,” said Rick Lommen, owner/operator. “She has done an outstanding job both in the restaurant and in school, using lessons from both to reach her goals.”

All employees are eligible to put aside 50 cents for every hour they work and Courtesy Corporation – McDonald’s matches this up to $10,000 for college tuition,” Shawn Senn, Human Resource manager, said.