This scholarship is awarded to the person with the highest score at each of the Court of Master Sommeliers-Americas Certified Exams throughout the year. Each winner receives a check for $500, compliments of our sponsor, Southern

Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The scholarship check is sent out separately, approximately 4-6 weeks after the exam date.

About Mel Dick and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits:

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company.

Mel Dick is President, Wine Division, and Senior Vice President of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS).

Mel was born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York of immigrant parents, served two terms in the United States Army, and entered the wine business in 1957. Mel joined Southern Wine & Spirits in 1969 as General Sales Manager of the wine division and became President of the Wine Division in 1976. He became a partner of Southern Wine & Spirits in 1984, 15 years after first joining the founding SWS team, and acquired the title of Senior Vice President in 1991.

Mel is the recipient of numerous awards from the wine and spirits industry throughout the world. In 2001, he received the prestigious Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, for his outstanding contribution to the French wine and champagne, spirits and water industry and was elevated to Officier in October 2010. In February 2016, Mel was elevated to Commandeur Mérite de Agricole and on October 22nd 2016 was awarded the Wine Spectator Distinguished Service Award by Marvin Shanken.

Mel is also a boxing historian, loves fishing and is a great country music fan. He resides in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida with Bobbi, his wife of 66 years. He is the father of two daughters Meloni Martin and Lahna Zandi, and has three grandchildren; Alexandra, Jade and Leyla.