It was during the busy lunch-hour rush that Carl’s Jr. employees Michael Martinez of Victorville and Dustin Megill of Huntington Beach were surprised with balloons, good news and a large check at their restaurant in front of all their customers and co-workers.

They are the recipients of the 1999 Donald F. Karcher Scholarships, awarded every fall, and each received $2,500.

Michael Martinez, a shift leader at Carl’s Jr. restaurant #142 in Victorville, is enjoying his junior year at California State University, San Bernardino. He is an honor roll student majoring in business administration.

Dustin Megill is also a shift leader at #44 in Fountain Valley studying communications at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. Currently in his second year, he is a member of the University’s stunt team and also serves as a campus advisor.

The scholarship program was established to honorCarl’s Jr.’s late president, Donald F. Karcher, who placed a great importance on education. The scholarships memorialize Karcher and his commitment to the employees who are part ofthe fast food industry he loved.

Each year, the scholarships are awarded to assist employees who are pursuing full-time undergraduate study to attain a degree in a major that supports the foodservice industry. Applicants are selected based on academic record participation in school and community activities and financial need.

Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR), owns and operates a system of 896 company and franchised Carl’s Jr. quick-service restaurants, including 194 Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito dual-brand locations in 13 Western states and Mexico.