Thirty-two Boilermaker dependents earn awards totaling $50,000
THE BOILERMAKERS’ International Executive Council scholarship committee announced the winners of its 2012 scholarship program this past April. The committee awarded $50,000 to 32 scholarship recipients, with $38,000 being allocated to U.S. applicants and $12,000 to applicants from Canada.
The one-year grants included three $3,000 awards, 12 $2,000 awards, and 17 $1,000 awards. The committee selected scholarship recipients from among a pool of 155 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.
Three receive top awards totaling $9,000
OSCAR ANTHONY FUENTES, son of Rafael Fuentes, Local 5 (Floral Park, New York), earned one of the top scholarship awards of $3,000. A recipient of numerous academic awards, Oscar also devotes many hours to supporting his school and community through volunteer work. He is a member of the Science Honor Society, French Honor Society, and National Honor Society. A first-generation college student, Oscar is heading to Brown University to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.
KATIEMAE AMBER WHITE, daughter of Gerald White Jr., Local Lodge 920 (Portsmouth, New Hampshire), also earned honors with a top scholarship award of $3,000. Katiemae has achieved academic honors in all four years of high school, won the DAR Good Citizenship Award, and Wellesley College Book Award. She has actively participated in rallies to save union jobs at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, as well as taken an active interest in local and national politics. Her goal is to study sustainable energy and design. She will be attending Green Mountain College in Vermont and has been enrolled in their Honors Program as a freshman this fall.
SHANE RAYMOND WHITSON, son of Warren Whitson, Local 502 (Puyallup, Wash.), earned a scholarship award of $3,000. Shane is involved nationally with the Youth Leadership Action Council, was elected secretary of his National Honor Society, and participated in the Tacoma-area Upward Bound program. With almost 500 hours of community service so far, he has been an active public speaker and plans to continue as a peer educator in college. He will be pursuing a major in public policy with a minor in Mandarin Chinese at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, and eventually would like to enter a career in law or government.
Twelve applicants receive $2,000 awards
TYSON LEO COSTA, son of Edgar Costa, Local 359 (Vancouver, British Columbia), will enter the University of British Columbia as a Chancellor’s Scholar, graduating with a 4.0 for all his high school years. He is an active member of his community and enjoys extra curricular activities including soccer, curling, and both snow and water skiing. He plans to study applied science and engineering in the fall.
DANIEL PATRICK GAUGHAN, son of Thomas Gaughan, Local 13 (Philadelphia), participated in basketball and volleyball, won several math awards, and served as captain of the “Mathletes” team. As part of the Archdiocesan Scholar Program, Daniel took college-level courses in addition to his high school curriculum. He plans to study electrical engineering in college at Drexel University.
KATHLEEN JOY GRIFFIN, daughter of Steven Griffin, Local 5 (Floral Park, New York), received four Presidential Achievement Awards during high school, played junior varsity soccer and varsity basketball, and is active in band and her local church. She enjoys working with young children and plans to major in nursing with a specialty in neonatal care at Alfred State College.
MERCEDES ANGEL JOHN, daughter of Kip John, Local 92 (Los Angeles), graduated as a 4.0 student. She was president of her National Honor Society as well as editor of the school newspaper and active community member. The daughter of a second-generation Boilermaker, Mercedes looks forward to attending Brigham Young University to major in elementary education.
SHANNON ELIZABETH MCDONALD, daughter of John McDonald, Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta), has been an honor student since 7th grade and is active in yoga and swimming. Shannon plans to attend the University of Calgary to major in biological science with a specialty in zoology, eventually earning her doctorate degree.
JULIE ELLA-MAY MCNUTT, stepdaughter of Scott Forrester, Local 359 (Vancouver, British Columbia), is heavily involved in her school and community, working as a hospital volunteer and Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sisters program. Her passion for helping others leads her to a major in pre-medical health science at Thompson Rivers University, after which she hopes to earn her medical degree and work with a program such as Doctors Without Borders.
FAITH BARBARA MCQUEEN, daughter of Dan Millette, Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario), is an active journalism student, writing for her school yearbook as well as her local community newspaper. Also a participant in debate and drama productions, Faith has achieved honor roll status every year since grade 9. She will be attending a university to acquire a Bachelor of Arts in English, eventually aspiring to become a high school English teacher.
KRISTINA ANNE MURPHY, daughter of Paul Murphy, Lodge 203 (St. John’s, Newfoundland), received the Ambassador Award for Academic Excellence and Extracurricular Achievement, as well as first-class honors upon completion at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Active as student council vice-president, Kristina also participates in numerous community service groups and plays multiple sports. Kristina would like to translate her enthusiasm for working with children and helping others into a career in child psychology, pediatric medicine, or education. She will be attending Memorial University this fall.
MARISSA AMY PHILIPPE, daughter of Rene Philippe, Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario), is a Génies en herbe prizewinner for vocabulary and literature, as well as other high academic and athletic achievements during her high school years. Marissa will be studying pre-med at the University of Ottawa, eventually planning to become a doctor in neonatal or maternal-fetal medicine.
BRIANNA NICOLE REED, daughter of William Reed, Local 28 (Newark, New Jersey), has achieved honor roll and superintendent’s list status throughout her high school years. Active in softball, she also works with the Mantua Township Child Care program. Brianna will attend Temple University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
RACHEAL LYNNE WELCH, daughter of James Welch, Local 453 (Knoxville, Tenn.), was nominated for Student of the Year for two consecutive years and was also on the honor roll of her high school from 2009-2011. She has participated in numerous extracurricular activities such as the senior play and Beta Club and was president of the Science Club. Racheal graduated 4th in her class and plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical development after acquiring a degree in biology from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
SARA ANN ZAHORCHAK, daughter of Thomas Zahorchak, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), will attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in civil and environmental engineering. Her passion for the environment resulted in a certificate of merit for excellence in math and science from the Society of Women Engineers, as well as awards in the Greater Pittsburgh Student Voices Civics Fair and Southwestern Pennsylvania Science Bowls. She has achieved high honors throughout her school years, and was captain of her tennis squad during her senior season.
Committee selects 17 $1,000 winners
CIARA PAIGE ANDERSON, daughter of Walter Anderson III, Local 40 (Elizabethtown, Ky.), has achieved honor roll and perfect attendance awards for all four years of high school. Ciara was also active in Spanish Club, Key Club and WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). She will be attending the University of Cincinnati, majoring in neuroscience with a concentration in neuropsychology.
BAILEY ANNE BOX, daughter of James Box, Local 455 (Sheffield, Ala.), was a member of the National Honor Society and was chosen as an Early Scholar at University of North Alabama. She has participated in many high school activities including cheerleading, Spanish Club, Anchor Club, student council, and HOSA (Health Organization Students of America). Bailey will study biology as a pre-med student at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
LUCAS AARON CARMITCHEL, son of Charles Carmitchel, Local 83 (Kansas City, Mo.), achieved gold honor roll in high school and participated in music and drama productions. He volunteers at a local hospital every week and hopes to help those less fortunate in a program such as Doctors Without Borders. He will be pursuing a career as a physician, attending Johnson County Community college as an undergraduate this fall.
WADE ROBERT CATT, son of Barry Catt, Local 374 (Hammond, Ind.), will be studying telecommunications at Ball State University, with a minor in English. Wade was named news editor for his school newspaper and also garnered a top award for his short film, “To a Dream Deferred.” Active in both service and athletic clubs throughout high school, Wade has accumulated over 200 hours of volunteer service, including producing videos for fundraising and education.
AUTUMN CIARA CLEVENGER, daughter of David Clevenger, Local 40 (Elizabethtown, Ky.), received numerous academic and school recognition awards, including election as president of the French Honor Society, History Student of the Year, and Distinguished Scholar (since 2004). Ciara is an active FFA member as Leadership Committee Chair, and also participates in 4-H. She is enrolled at Morehead State University, where she intends to study medicine and eventually become a cardiologist.
NATHANIEL ANDREW GONZALEZ, son of Jacqueline Reinhardt, Local S185 (Belleville, Ill.), is an Eagle Scout as well as leader of his local scout troop for the past three years. Active in school athletics, Nate has achieved seven scholar-athlete awards for academic excellence, an MVP award for cross-country, and served as captain of his team during his senior year. He will attend SWIC community college before moving to a four-year university to study biology and neuroscience, hoping to enter the field of medical research in order to treat Alzheimer’s and ADHD patients.
JORDAN DANIEL HANNAH, son of Larry Hannah, Local S7 (Belleville, Ill.), has received a number of academic awards including the Young Achiever’s Award and 2012 Illinois State Scholar. He placed first in both the WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) regional competitions his senior year. Also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Boy Scouts of America, Jordan is an Eagle Scout and plans to pursue a degree in medicine at the University of Missouri/Columbia, specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics.
CASANDRA BROOKE JOHNSON, daughter of David Johnson, Local 453 (Knoxville, Tenn.), is a high honors student featured in the National Science Scholars Yearbook. Also active in community service clubs at school and church, Casandra would like to become a pediatric doctor. She is attending East Tennessee State University studying biochemistry.
PAUL DAVID KRELL, son of David Krell, Local 1073 (Cleveland), graduated with honors from Springfield High School in Akron, Ohio. He has participated in National Honor Society, Art Club, Spanish Club, music, and band throughout his high school years. Paul was named to the University of Akron dean’s list and has been admitted as a freshman to the Honors College there to major in corrosion engineering, with a minor in mathematics this fall.
ELISABETH MARIE LEISTER, daughter of Wayne Leister, Local 13 (Philadelphia), was editor of her school newspaper, published several times on the National High School Journalism website. An honor roll student every year, Elisabeth also worked as a student counselor and ambassador. She will be attending the University of South Carolina to major in hospitality management and tourism.
JAMES ALLEN LONG JR., son of James Long, Local 667 (Winfield, West Virginia), played soccer and was voted Defender of the Year. Also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, James was an honor student named to the Principal’s List. He will be attending Bethany College to study math education, eventually hoping to become a college math professor.
MEGAN MARIE MILLER, daughter of Robert Miller Jr., Local 193 (Baltimore, Md.), was listed on the Principal’s List and was a member of the National English Honor Society. She participated in community initiatives such as Relay for Life and Prevention Against Animal Testing Group. Megan plans to study veterinary medicine and will major in biology at Salisbury State University this fall.
JENNA MARIE PARKS, daughter of Peter Parks, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), is an honor graduate of North Hills High School. Jenna will attend the University of Pittsburgh this fall, focusing her studies on political science and pre-law.
KATELYN MARIE OELER, daughter of Robert Oeler, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She was drum major for the school marching band and enjoyed singing in her school’s yearly high school musicals. She will attend the University of Pittsburgh to study actuarial science and earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
SYDNEY ROSE RICHARDS, daughter of Paul Richards, Local S185 (Belleville, Ill.), plans to attend Loyola University in Chicago as a pre-med student. She was a recipient of the Illinois Principal’s Association Award and has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years. Active for many years in volleyball, she was also a member of student council and her church youth group.
MARISSA ANN WITHERUP, daughter of Shawn Witherup, Local 154 (Pittsburgh), will major in biology at the University of Pennsylvania/Edinboro this fall, planning to attend medical school and become a doctor. Marissa was a cheerleader and honor roll student during all four years in high school. A competitive dancer for seven years, she also volunteers as a camp counselor.
NATHAN ANDREW ZIMMERMAN, son of Carl Zimmerman, Local 484 (Meredosia, Ill.), is a member of the National Honor Society and has garnered numerous scholastic achievement awards including Illinois State Scholar 2012 and “Ready for College, Ready for Work” Senior Silver Award. Nathan will attend Illinois College to major in business administration and minor in communications, with intentions to achieve a master’s degree in business.
