“During times of war, American women have a long history of doing their part in the homeland to preserve the family and what is dear. There is no more cherished icon in the eyes of military personnel than to return from the dangers and rigor of battle to a warm loving home and a caring family,” said Deputy Executive Director Dr. Martin Oliver. “Both Priscilla and Teresa demonstrated in their essays, ideals, and work history that they have the ability and fortitude to make the dream of homeownership a reality for families in our great country.”

Priscilla Whiteside is married to Brian Whiteside a U.S. Navy F18 pilot. Priscilla was introduced to military life with its frequent transfers and military-as-a-family atmosphere, which engenders deep bonds and friendships due to shared experiences and goals. “While my husband was serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, I completed my MBA. My Master’s Thesis project was a blueprint for the creation of a non-profit organization to assist military families,” she said. Born in Central California, the fifth of five children, Priscilla grew up in the real estate business. Her father enjoyed a forty-year career as top seller of high-end properties in Fresno, and taught Priscilla by example the qualities needed for success in business and in life. “He is a local legend, known for being knowledgeable, scrupulously honest, energetic and generous. I try daily to live up to his standards,” she said.

Mrs. Whiteside earned a BA in Communications and after graduation was appointed by Governor Wilson as a staffer in the Central Valley district office. “I helped put together a bipartisan legislative council "Team Fresno" to overlook Central Valley affairs,” said Priscilla. She also served as California Youth Coordinator for the Dole/Kemp Campaign and is also a permanent fund-raising project for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Priscilla passed her exam May 19, 2005 and started working full time for Coldwell Banker® Best Realty in Ridgecrest, California in June.

Teresa Brooks who received her real RealtyU® Affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina, passed her exam March 11, 2005. Teresa who is a full time agent for Coldwell Banker® Howard Perry & Walston in Durham, North Carolina, has already listed three homes and sold an impressive eight homes. Teresa graduated from ECPI College of Technology and has eight years of business experience with IBM. After taking two years off to raise her son, Teresa decided to get into real estate. Realizing that her true desire is to own a company, she plans to open her own company by June 2006.

The Real Estate Apprentice Foundation reported that the total grant applications received during Season II were 3,593. From that group the top 5% (171 applicants) were selected to move to the second round. Whiteside and Brooks representing Round 3, will advance to review by The Real Estate Grant Foundation Judge’s http://www.realestateapprentice.com/judges.cfm final stage for examination. From that group 10 applicants will become Finalists. The evaluation of the applicants’ essays and background was based on communication and salesmanship skills, entrepreneurial spirit, uniqueness and integrity.

The Real Estate Apprentice™ Foundation awards 20 bi-annual grants totaling $250,000 per year. Two Grand Prize Grants are valued at approximately $75,000 each and eighteen Finalists grants are valued at $5,000 each. The Apprentice mission is to assist newly licensed real estate agents entering the industry in overcoming the fears and obstacles associated with beginning a new career and to facilitate the development of top producing sales people by providing quality guidance, products and services to expedite a successful fast track to profitability. Grants awarded do not require any form of repayment.