International announces 2011 scholarship winners

37 Boilermaker dependents earn awards totaling $50,000

THE BOILERMAKERS’ International Executive Council scholarship committee announced the winners of its 2011 scholarship program this past April. The committee awarded $50,000 to 37 scholarship recipients, with $36,000 being allocated to U.S. applicants and $14,000 to applicants from Canada.

The one-year grants included three $3,000 awards, seven $2,000 awards, and 27 $1,000 awards. The committee selected scholarship recipients from among a pool of 142 Boilermaker dependents in their senior year of high school. Applicants were judged based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, participation in extracurricular activities, and performance on a 300-500 word essay on this year’s topic; “Soaring Profits, Stagnant Wages, Insensitive Downsizing and Layoffs — Is Corporate Greed Destroying the Middle Class?”

Three receive top awards totaling $9,000

JACKLYN DANIELLE CLARK, daughter of Ronald Neil Clark, Local 667 (Winfield, W.Va.), earned one of the top scholarship awards of $3,000. A recipient of numerous community service awards with over 243 hours of service, Jacklyn was elected student council president of her high school and served for two years on the student council. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, and plans to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Fairmont State University.

SHANE WILLIAM MCMANAMON, son of James H. McManamon, Local 744 (Cleveland Ohio), also earned honors with a top scholarship award of $3,000. Shane achieved high honors in all four years of high school. He describes himself as the proud son of a second-generation Boilermaker. In addition to being elected captain of his high school football team, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Shane plans to study business or pre-med at Cornell University.

WESLEY TOMSON BRADLEY, son of Thomas E. Bradley, Local 60 (Morton, Ill.) earned a scholarship award of $3,000. Wesley graduated from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Ill., a residential school for students gifted in mathematics and science. He will attend the University of Chicago, where he plans to study towards a doctorate in physics.

Seven applicants receive $2,000 awards

NATHALIE LYNN DICICCO, daughter of Anthony P. DiCicco, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), was a member of the student council for four years and has participated in cheerleading, ice-skating, and gymnastics. A recipient of numerous awards including the American Legion Award for 2007, Nathalie plans to work towards her doctorate in physical therapy at Slippery Rock University, Pa.

ALAINA ANN YOUNGE, daughter of Faron J. Younge, Local 203 (Holyrod, Newfoundland), received several drama awards including first place at the Lion’s Club speak-off and second place at the Rotary speak-off. She also offered tutoring in public speaking. She will study at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she plans to study to become a neurologist.

KATHARINE DESOMD BEAULIEU, daughter of Pierre Beaulieu, Local 128 (Burlington, Ontario), has received accolades for her academic performance, including being named valedictorian of her high school. She also participated in a variety of extracurricular activities including wrestling, track & field, and cross country. Katharine will attend Lakehead University, majoring in English literature.

AMBER RAE BILECKI, daughter of Brian Bilecki, Local 555 (Regina, Saskatchewan), was accepted into the pre-nursing program at Brandon University, where she plans to study towards a Bachelor of Nursing. Amber has received honors with distinction awards, Grade 7-12 (with grades 90% or higher). She volunteered a prodigious 264 hours of community service, including a year spent helping at Pinawa Hospital.

CARISSA PAIGE KOHUT, stepdaughter of Jeff Olson, Local D575 (Moosehorn, Manitoba), won the Varsity Female Athlete of the Year award for two consecutive years and was also on the honor roll of her high school from 2007-2009. She has participated in numerous extracurricular activities such as curling, volleyball, badminton and Teens Against Drunk Driving. Carissa aspires to study law at the University of Winnipeg and eventually to open her own law practice.

CELINE MARIE MORAIS, daughter of Ken Morais, Local 73 (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island), plans to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree at Mount Allison University, concentrating on a career in pharmacy or dentistry. As well as achieving academic distinction in grades 9-11, she has played on the Northumberland High School hockey team for the past three years. Celine is currently preparing for her teaching certificate in tap dancing.

EMILY MICHELLE HAIRE of Local 146 will also receive a $2,000 scholarship award towards her chosen university, the Memorial University of St John’s in Newfoundland, Canada.

Committee selects 26 $1,000 winners

ARIEL MAE CRAIG, daughter of Andrew Craig, Local 549 (Pittsburg, Calif.), was a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of several academic awards, in addition to dancing competitively for the last three years. She will study political science at the University of California Los Angeles and hopes to eventually work for the U.S. Senate.

CONOR HARDEN, son of Laurence Harden, Local 28 (Newark, N.J.), was a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in many cultural clubs at St. Peters Prep in Jersey City, N.J. Conor will attend Loyola University in Maryland on a Presidential Scholarship to pursue studies in international business.

EMILY L. O’COONAHERN, daughter of Daniel M. Ahern, Local 13 (Newportville, Pa.), has been an active member of the National Honors Society, co-captain of the field hockey team, and co-editor of her school’s newspaper. Emily will attend Pennsylvania State University and plans to major in graphic design.

LUKE E. BEGLEY, son of Frank E. Begley, Local 374 (Hammond, Ind.), won first place in Business Professionals of America district competition, as well as receiving acclaim for his work with the Angel Missions for Kids Charity. Luke will study software engineering and computer science at the University of Evansville in Indiana.

JAMES MELVIN SHADOW III, son of James and Pamela Shadow, Local 27 (St. Louis, Mo.), received the academic athlete award for his high school and in 2010 was nominated Science Student of the Year. He is enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University, where he intends to study nuclear and aerospace engineering.

KAITLIN RENEE KNOX, daughter of Stephen D. Knox, Local 7 (Buffalo, N.Y.), was a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Science Olympiad. She is active in community service as well as church-related activities. Kaitlin will attend the University of Pittsburgh, Pa., to study biological sciences.

DANIELLE MARIE RURA, daughter of Edward Rura, Local 1393 (Altoona, Pa.), was vice president of the National Honor Society at her high school, and received numerous academic awards including the Summa Scholar Highest Academic An Avid sportswoman, Danielle plans to pursue a career in physical therapy at Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pa.

JUSTIN EDWARD PARISOT, grandson of James Edward Owen, Local 627 (Phoenix), is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was president of the National Honor Society for his high school. Justin will attend Arizona State University to pursue further studies in aerospace engineering.

JESSICA NOEL GOUDREAULT, daughter of Martin Falcone, Local 651 (Medford, Mass.), recipient of numerous scholastic awards, has danced competitively for over nine years and has participated in Operation Kindness and the National Honor Society. She will attend Smith College this fall, where she plans to pursue a career in multi-media communications.

JESSICA LYN KLITZ, daughter of Frankie Klitz, Local D-397 (Ashdown, Ariz.), was a member of the National Honor Society and student council, and was elected class president in grade 12. An accomplished musician, Jessica has played not only in regional festivals but also in churches and nursing homes. She plans to study mathematics at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

LINDSEY MARIE DUERR, daughter of Wayne Duerr, Local 697 (Pittsville, Wis.), will attend UW-Marshfield Wood County, aiming to join the satellite program through Eau-Claire to achieve her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Lindsey played varsity softball and was president of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honors Society.

CODY WAYNE INMAN, son of Alton R. Inman, Local 587 (Orange, Texas), served as vice president of the student council and participated in community initiatives such as Angelina County Drug Free All Stars and numerous other tobacco and alcohol awareness programs. Cody plans to study business and finance at Texas A&M University.

JAKE GAMBITSKY, son of Edward Gambitsky, Local 5 (Wantagh, N.Y.), was a member of the National Honor Society and the Foreign Language Honor Society. He participated in the Wantagh High School jazz band and was a member of both the lacrosse team and football team. Jake has recently been accepted to Harvard University, where he plans to study business.

ERIN NICOLE BOMAR, daughter of Tonya Bomar, Local S-251 (Middleton, Tenn.), will attend the University of Memphis in the fall, studying pre-med and majoring in biology. Erin graduated as the salutatorian of her class, with a 98.9 GPA, and was cited for her scholastic achievements in mathematics and English. She aspires to become a pediatrician.

CASEY LILLIAN LOFTLEY, daughter of Jason Loftley, Local 433 (Tampa, Fla.), was listed on the principal’s honor role and the high honor roll in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement. She was also captain of the high school varsity soccer team for four years, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. It is Casey’s dream to help others by working in the medical field. She plans to attend the University of Florida to study nursing.

TREY ANDREW LITSEY, son of Jeffrey W. Litsey, Local D595 (Louisville, Ky.), played for his high school’s championship-winning Louisville Lightning baseball team. He consistently made the honor role and had a perfect school attendance record for 12 years. Trey plans to study business and economics at Centre College.

SEAN MICHAEL PEEL, son of Patrick Peel, Local 5 Zone 175 (Oswego, N.Y.), was accepted into the State University of New York, where he plans to pursue studies in chemistry. He has been recognized for his academic achievements, leadership abilities, and outstanding service to Oswego High School, as well as being a member of the National Honor Society for grades 10-12.

ANDREW B. PIETERICK, son of Robert C. Pieterick, Local 107 (Brookfield, Wis.), hopes to become a medical professor. He was a member of the student council, FBLA, and National Honor Society, and is also a multi-talented sportsman who has played basketball, football, and baseball. He will study medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

JOSHUA P. BURKS, son of Chris S. Burks, Local 83 (Kansas City, Mo.), is involved in his local community, volunteering over 100 hours of community service while attending Princeton High School. He aims to study nuclear engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology to pursue his goal of designing and overseeing the building of nuclear power plants.

REBECCA ANNE AVERY, daughter of Michael Avery, Local 85 (Toledo, Ohio), plans to attend Cleveland State University, majoring in nursing as part of the honors program. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and awarded salutatorian of her class. In addition to her scholastic achievements, Rebecca participated in soccer, basketball, and track.

KAYLAH ANN-MARIE VANWASSHNOVA, daughter of Terry M. Sullivan, Local 169 (Detroit, Mich.), continuously made the honor role, maintaining a high GPA throughout her high school years. She was a member of Students Against Drunk Driving, and in 2009 attended the Michigan Youth in Government conference in Lansing. Kaylah will attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she will pursue a career in political science and/or secondary education.

BRITTANY LEIGH BURNETT, daughter of David Burnett, Local 13 (Newportville, Pa.) is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Environmental Club, and a student athletic trainer for her high school. Brittany hopes to pursue a career in the fashion industry and will study business marketing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

MEGAN P. HOWARD, daughter of Terrence D. Howard, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), will attend Duquesne University to study towards a doctorate in physical therapy. A member of the Leadership Pittsburgh Committee, she also served as vice president of the National Honor Society and formerly held the position of diocesan youth council representative for her local community.

KAROLINA ALVAREZ, daughter of Edgar Alvarez, Local 1255 (Spring Grove, Ill.), participated in regional and state competitions for her school’s math team from 2007 to 2011. She was also a member of the National Hispanic Honor Society. She plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study computer engineering. Karolina is bilingual and has received numerous academic awards in recognition of her scholastic abilities.

DYLAN STEWART CRUSE, son of Randall W. Cruse, Local 83 (Kansas City, Mo.), was on the student honor role for four consecutive years and participated on the varsity swim team, football team, and in track & field. Dylan, who has also contributed over 100 hours of community service, will pursue international business studies at the University of Kansas.