POTSDAM — Taco Bell management surprised crew member Angela Zielinski with a Live Mas Scholarship check for $10,000 Tuesday at its 153 Market St. location.

Over 12,000 Taco Bell employees across the country applied for the Live Mas Scholarship. Applicants were required to submit a two-minute video that showcased their passion for the Taco Bell brand and described their career goals, according to a press release from Taco Bell. Zielinski was one of 128 employees chosen to receive a scholarship; the scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000.

She began her career almost a year ago at the Potsdam Taco Bell as a crew member. She will be attending SUNY Potsdam.

“Her passion is writing and wants to use that passion to create video games,” the release said. "She wants to use her writing skills to create video games that encourage its players to feel more confident.”

“At the Taco Bell Foundation, no cause is more important than supporting the passions and dreams of our youth,” the release said. “We invest in America’s youth, ages 16-24, and help them pursue their educational goals and career aspirations – no matter what their unique passion. We leverage our scale and reach to convene the right partners, and build impactful programs and experiences so these young people can confidently pursue their dream-career. Since 1992, the Foundation has reached more than 3.5 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $72 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness.”