2009 winners of the ConstructMyFuture.com Scholarship

David Derakhshanian's essay

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Attending: Pittsburg State University-Pittsburg, Kansas
Studying: Construction Management

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
My determination to graduate and succeed in the industry is unmatched, but financially I need assistance. Currently as a full time student I also work a part time job. This is difficult because I enjoy being active with my school, community, and construction program. I am a very active member in the AGC student chapter at Pittsburg State. I have participated in events such as Block Kids, The Crossland Rodeo, Topeka State Fair and the Special Olympics. School and staying involved in my community are two things I will not sacrifice. On the other hand, having to support myself and being a fulltime student can cause a lot of stress that at times can hinder my grades and/or involvement. If chosen as a recipient for the ConstructMyFuture.com scholarship, the funds will be used directly towards my tuition, housing and living expenses. With this scholarship I can ensure you the time and energy saved from supporting me will be directed towards my education and community.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
As an officer for AGC I have many different community service opportunities. I have helped run the AGC booth at the Kansas State Fair. This event focused on introducing children to the construction industry. I also have volunteered in Pittsburg State's first and second Annual Block Kids. Block kids is a Lego competition for the children K through six that promotes construction to not only the participants but their parents also. This event was unique in that it encouraged the kids to use their imagination while learning about the construction industry at the same time. I also participated in building an expansion to Cherokee Elementary School's playground through AGC and Sigma Lambda Chi construction honor fraternity.

Another very important extracurricular activity that I am a part of is the ASC competition. This competition exposes me to real life industry problems and solutions. It is also a great way to learn teamwork and leadership skills. Our team placed third in the most recent competition. An additional club I am involved in is the Crimson Club. The Crimson Club is a group of student ambassadors for the president of Pittsburg State, Dr. Tom Bryant. This club helps with alumni relations through community activities.

Being unique is not just getting good grades or being good at what you do. A successful person has to be well rounded and willing to put forth the extra effort. I believe what sets me apart is just that. There are certain things that you cannot learn by opening up a book; leadership, work ethic and the mind set of passing the education of construction down are just a few. I have acquired those traits by educating myself in and outside of the classroom. I have always been told "the cream rises to the top" and with those qualities I am sure to rise.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
Throughout my life I have been around construction. I have also been taught the importance of working hard for the things you need. When I decided to further my education in the construction field by going on to a four year university, I knew it was the best decision I have ever made. I love the construction industry, and I cannot see myself pursuing anything else. I am extremely involved and active with the Construction Management program at Pittsburg State. I am a firm believer that you get out of what you put in.

In the summer of 2008 I was able to accept an internship with J.E. Dunn Construction Company. The things that I learned during my summer with J.E. Dunn were critical to my education, to my success at school, and to my future. During my internship I worked in the estimating department. Through the help of my supervisor and mentor, I learned more in one summer then I had my whole college career. I was able to do multiple types of estimating projects ranging from concrete to demolition. It was great to see construction from an estimator's point of view. In this ever changing industry the challenges and rewards it brings are unmatched, which is why I am excited to graduate college and build a career in the construction industry.

Ethan Heckenlaible's essay

Hometown: Fort Pierre, South Dakota
Attending: Lake Area Technical Institute-Watertown, South Dakota
Studying: Diesel Technology

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
I would use this scholarship toward my education at the lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, South Dakota. I have been accepted into the diesel technology program which will start in August 2009. I also need money to pay for $6,000 worth of tools. I have to pay for my own schooling, and even though I've been saving as much as I can, the cost of school, living expenses and tools are very high. The scholarship money will go to good use as I promise to dedicate my career to the construction industry. It will be difficult to find a harder working person who really needs the assistance and would appreciate it as much as I would.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I'm very dedicated to any project that I start. I overcome the challenges and keep working on it until I figure it out. It's very important to me to keep up with the ever changing technology. I have worked summers and weekends trying to save as much money as I can so I can pay for school and tools. They made me crew leader at my summer job because of my hard work and dedication. I always receive compliments on my dedication to my work and willingness to lend a helping hand. I'm usually the first one to volunteer if anyone needs help, and the last one to leave when a project needs completion. I enjoyed my high school metals and housing construction classes because I liked the challenge of making something out of raw materials.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I enjoy hands-on work and I love keeping busy. I feel construction is the backbone of society. I would be maintaining the equipment used to help build roads and houses. I like the challenge of taking something that is broken and fix it. Without construction you wouldn't have the quality roads, houses and buildings. I like to keep active, and would not like an office job. I can't stand sitting in the house if there is a project to be done outside.

My school had a construction awareness day where I had to perform different tasks with a skid steer, backhoe, crane simulator and forklift. It was fun and I won all the challenges and was named all-around champion and received a jacket, t-shirt, tool box and hard hat. I also received a job offer from the instructor which made me feel great to be recognized.

Colleen Koeppen's essay

Hometown: Sanford, FL
Attending: Florida Institute of Technology
Studying: Mechanical Engineering

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
If I am selected for the ConstructMyFuture.com scholarship, I will use the $1,000 towards paying for my college tuition. Mechanical Engineering is what I want to pursue in life with a focus on Robotics; therefore, I would like to attend an engineering school. I have been accepted to the engineering college of the University of Arizona, University of Alabama, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Florida Institute of Technology. I need the scholarship money to attend any of these schools. However, Florida Institute of Technology is the university I would like to attend, but the tuition cost of $40,000 is not possible for my family to afford.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
My drive, motivation and determination make me the best candidate for this construction scholarship. Growing up with learning disabilities has been a struggle, but over time I have had o advocate for myself and to overcome such barriers. I found that books on tape, drawing pictures and repetition help me absorb the information faster. In addition, hands-on learning has tremendously increased my processing speed. Every day I work as hard as I can with time management, organization and tenacity to keep grades up while playing varsity sports. A career in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Robotics fit my interests, strong mathematical and science skills, and learning style to a "T".

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to pursue a fun, hands on career. My father being a double civil engineer sparked my interest in engineering. Since I am a visual and hands-on learner, I benefit from the ability to touch and see objects ad I work with them. I am a very organized individual and prefer to complete tasks in steps. Diagnosed as a child with ADHD I have always been excited with building, creating things, taking things apart and figuring out how items work. Such activities coincide well with my interest in pursuing Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Robotics.

John "Jack" McCormack's essay

Hometown: Maynard, Massachusetts
Attending: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Studying: Heavy Equipment Operating

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
If I were chosen as a recipient of a ConstructMyFuture.com scholarship I would immediately turn the money over to my parents to help pay for my education, books, and room and board. My mom is a nurse who works nights and my dad is a computer programmer. They work hard and have always been supportive of me. I have an older brother who graduated from college and a younger brother due to go to college in two years. My parents are trying as hard as possible to pay for all our educations on their own, as their parents did for them. I know they are supposed to be saving for retirement but instead, they are helping me. They don't want me to have huge loans when I get out of school. If I get any scholarship money, it will help my parents help me.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I feel I am the best candidate for ConstructMyFuture.com scholarship because I am very hard working and driven to succeed. I am the type of person who decides what my goals are and then tries very hard to attain them. For example, I am an Eagle Scout. Only three to four percent of all scouts achieve this level as it takes lots of work and determination. I have already learned in life that knowledge is power and education will help me become successful. I have always had good problem solving skills and I interact easily with all kinds of people. I think I would be an excellent representative for ConstructMyFuture.com.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I am pursuing a career in Heavy Equipment Operation and Business Management because I feel this career will allow me to get a job doing something I love. I have always been around machines and motors and using and fixing them has always come easy to me. I want to work outside and with my hands. Originally, I thought I would just learn heavy equipment operation but then I realized if I got my Bachelor's Degree, many more opportunities would open up for me. I hope to graduate on time, get a job and learn the ropes, and one day a foreman or supervisor. I think too that one day I may want to own my own company.

Zane Osgood's essay

Hometown: Ischua, New York
Attending: Alfred State College-Alfred, New York
Studying: Heavy Equipment Operating

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
If selected I would use the scholarship award towards my education at Alfred State College in Alfred, NY in the Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Technician program which I have been accepted into for the fall semester of 2009. I would use this award primarily for tools which I need to purchase to perform the tasks required in the course and which I will continue to use after I obtain my Associates degree to join the workforce as a diesel mechanic. Once out in the workforce these tools will become part of my job requirements because most positions require you to provide your own tools. These tools need to be of good quality to last and perform efficiently so the cost will run around $2,000 in addition to tuition and books.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
This year I completed my Eagle Scout project which consisted of constructing and placing bluebird houses in our school's land lab and at a community park which is used for nature studies. Throughout this project I was able to use all of the skills I have learned through scouting which include leadership, cooperation, and how to approach community and school leaders with proposals for approval. I also created informational packets which can be used by teachers or community members to continue the project to make sure our state bird becomes more prevalent in our area. In addition to scouting, I am a member of the National Honor Society, two sports teams and President of the FFA chapter. I believe my organizational skills and perseverance in completing this project as well as maintaining my grades and participating in other activities make me an ideal candidate for this award since I will continue to hold these values and skills as I further my education and carry that knowledge into the workforce.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
The reason I want to pursue a construction related career is because I love the hands on work that is required to fix diesel engines. I want to further my education so that I will have the ability to work on equipment that varies in size from a small farm tractor or light duty pickup truck to a large over the road semi trucks or massive earth moving equipment. I have lived on a farm my whole life and have had the opportunity to repair engines which I like to do to see how they work and what they can do. Knowing that I fixed something that is necessary to complete a work project makes me feel good about what I have chosen to do. When you finally fix a piece of equipment or an engine and it fires up with the black smoke rolling out of the exhaust and you hear the power you created by fixing what was wrong by using your hands and tools that many people cannot do makes you feel good about the career field I have chosen. Construction cannot be completed without machines to move things, engines to run generators or trucks to haul materials and I will be able to make sure these vehicles or equipment is in condition to get the job done.

Zeke Perez's essay

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Attending: University of Denver-Denver, Colorado
Studying: Construction Management

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
Any member of the high school class of 2009 is already battling the odds after they graduate from high school. This year, a record number of applications have been sent to colleges all across the nation, meaning it's going to be hard for a senior to secure a spot in a college or university. After-and if –they do, they need to find a way to pay for their education. This is also a challenge, as tuition rates at both public and private universities are annually increasing for both in and out of state students. At this point in my college search, I've been fortunate to have secured a spot at a few colleges, including my long-time top choice, the University of Denver. To attend, I'll have to keep up my hard work to be able to pay for it. I've applied for several scholarships so far. The financial support I would receive from this scholarship would be useful without a doubt, as it would work towards paying for my college education, an opportunity I'm not taking for granted.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I am the best candidate for this construction scholarship because of my passion and determination. Day in and day out I strive to be perseverant. No matter if it's in academics, my relationships or hobbies, I'll keep working until I finish what I started. If I want to accomplish something, I don't quit until I'm done, even if it gets challenging. Construction is one of these passions for me. In addition to learning about construction from my family, I became interested when in it when I took an architecture class in middle school. Because I became passionate, I've continued to research and pursue construction since then. I'm currently doing a senior project about designing a football stadium and I'm enrolled in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering program. I've learned that there are many possibilities for working in construction past being a construction worker. This scholarship would allow me to explore even more construction related majors and careers and it would help me get a college education. I'm a deserving candidate for this scholarship because I would do my best to make the most out of it.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I was introduced to construction at a young age. Both my grandfather and my dad worked in construction as ironworkers at some point in their lives. As a kid, I remember walking around downtown with my dad. Often he would stop point up and say "I helped build that building." One reason that I would like to pursue an education and career in construction stems from the idea that I would be creating something that would be used daily and something that I could look at five, ten or fifty years later and say I helped create it.

Early this year, my senior year of high school, I went on a field trip to Colorado Construction Days and I was introduced to all of the options that construction has to offer. The option I like most is construction management because it would allow me to use a good education, be creative and work with people. I want to pursue an education and career in construction management for these reasons and because I want to make a lasting impact on my community.

Matthew Pontarelli's essay

Hometown: Rochester, New York
Attending: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Studying: Heavy Equipment Operating

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
I would use this scholarship to offset the cost of my education.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I feel that I would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship as I have been interested in the construction and building trade for my entire life and fully intend to pursue it as my lifelong career. I am currently enrolled at Pennsylvania College of Technology and in my second semester as a Heavy Equipment Technology major with an emphasis on Operation. I absolutely love what I'm doing. Although I find some of the academics challenging, I intend to complete my degree and fulfill my goal of becoming an owner/operator of my own construction company one day.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I am determined to succeed and have taken on many projects over the years that have shown my determination and hard work. One example of this is my Eagle Scout project for which I built two bridge abutments for a one-inch thick railroad expansion on the grounds of the Finger Lakes Live Steamers. You may view photos of this project on www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org.

Matthew Rockhill's essay

Hometown: Thomaston, Connecticut
Attending: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Studying: Diesel Technology

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
I value the opportunity to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, and I realize the expense involved in continuing my education. I appreciate all the encouragement and support given to me by my family in pursuing a trade I love. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the funds to help pay for school books, computer equipment or other necessary school supplies. Part of my education would be using a laptop to diagnose and repair engine malfunctions on Caterpillar equipment, so I anticipate using the scholarship funds toward the purchase of diagnostic software if needed. Throughout my high school years in the automotive program, I have invested in tools that I use daily. I plan on purchasing the required heavy equipment repair tools, which will enable me to excel in this career.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I know I am the best candidate for this construction scholarship because I am hard working and dedicated to continuing my education in the heavy equipment construction field. In my four years at Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, I have maintained a high academic grade average, as well as excelled in Automotive Shop. I have been accepted into the work based learning program during my senior year. Over the past year I worked part-time at a local grocery store. In addition, I worked this past summer at a local construction company. I was employed in the garage, assisting the main mechanic in servicing front loaders, trucks and heavy construction equipment.

In my spare time, O do engine body repair work on my Dodge truck, perform routine maintenance repairs on my parent's vehicles along with repairing lawn mowers.

My parents instilled in me the importance of honesty, reliability and hard work and my job experiences have reinforced these qualities. I realize that people depend on the quality of your work and how important it is to carefully assess engine problems, and perform accurate repairs. I stay on task until I am satisfied that I have done my best.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I have applied and been accepted at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. I will be pursuing an Associate's degree in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology/Caterpillar Equipment Maintenance. After working at a local construction company this past year, I realized how interested I was in working on the Caterpillar Diesel trucks and equipment. I enjoyed the challenge of diagnosing problems and performing maintenance to keep the machines up and running. I developed a great respect for the skill, patience and expertise of my co-workers.

I have attended a Technical High School for four years studying automotive and through this I have acquired a great deal of knowledge regarding automotive repairs. I value all of the training and advice given to me by my automotive instructors. By continuing my education, I hope to acquire a better understanding of how diesel engines operate and perform. I am excited to learn all that I can in regard to Caterpillar Construction equipment repair and maintenance.

Steven Skoloda's essay

Hometown: Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Attending: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Studying: Diesel Technology

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
I have been accepted at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, in the Diesel Technology program. I would use the scholarship money to defray the cost of attending this program. Attending college is a large investment in my future and this assistance would be greatly appreciated. A college education is necessary to advance my current skills learned at the Berks County Career and Technology Center (Leesport, PA). State of the art techniques are needed in this competitive work environment and I want to be sure that I am the best prepared for the job upon graduating from this program.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I have thought long and hard about the career selection I would choose after high school graduation. After deciding to take the vocational training career path during high school, there was no doubt where my interest and skill were heading. The strong hands on program at BCTC and the support and mentorship of the instructors have helped me develop professionally and personally into the career that I feel will last a life time.

I have worked during the last two years of high school for a local dairy farm assisting with maintaining various types of farm equipment. I have also worked during summers with my Uncle who owns a small shop specifically focusing on fleet maintenance for local trucking firms in the Lehigh Valley area. I have learned many skills and techniques from his mechanics on the job. I have seen the business end of the operation and the industry need for skilled labor in this area.

I am hard working, dedicated and possess a strong basic knowledge in this technical area. I look forward to advancing my skills and knowledge of diesel engine repair by attending Pennsylvania College of Technology positioning myself to be well prepared to meet the need of the current work force.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
This is an area that I feel my skills and talents are made for. I enjoy the technical thought process that is behind the actual skill of the task. Reading blueprints and manuals to acquire in depth knowledge of the piece of equipment to be repaired is essential to understanding the task at hand. I thoroughly enjoy working on large equipment and the satisfaction when the job is done.

In today's highly technical economy it is important to have a wide range of knowledge in the career you want to pursue. There are not enough skilled, hands on workers in this country. With the Presidents new initiatives I am hoping that I cannot only satisfy my own career goals but the need of the current industry. I feel that with the additional education acquired at Pennsylvania College of Technology I will be well prepared to be an asset to any employer that is in need of this type of skilled worker.

Christopher Cody Swain's essay

Hometown: Puxico, Missouri
Attending: Linn State Technical College-Linn, Missouri
Studying: Diesel Technology

Specifically state the intended use for the scholarship if you are selected.
I plan to attend Linn State Technical School upon graduation in May. I have enrolled in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program. Linn Tech only accepts 20 applicants per semester into this program and applicants must undergo additional testing, specifically for the Caterpillar Dealer course, to be accepted. I have taken the written portion of this test and made a perfect score. While at Linn, the instructor gave me a list of tools that I would need for my training and internship. The tools are estimated at about $5,000. If awarded the scholarship, I plan to use it to help pay for the tools.

Why are you the best candidate for this construction scholarship?
I feel that I would be the best candidate for your scholarship because I have an exceptional knack for anything mechanical and I love working with my hands to make something run. Making an engine purr like a kitten is the best reward. As a child, I was continually taking my toys apart just to see how they worked. After a few years and several toys later, my parents stopped buying me toys and started buying me tools. I began to think to tinker with everything. Soon, the neighbors were bringing their lawnmowers, three wheelers, four wheelers and even tractors for me to fix. Now I can work on just about anything but diesel engines is my passion.

Why do you want to pursue a construction related education and ultimately a career in construction?
I have been working with my hands from a young age. I have worked on my grandfather's farm and have helped him in his farm equipment repair business for many years now. I completed restoration of my first antique tractor at the age of 10. I did odd jobs and purchased my first truck at the age of 13. I totally rebuilt the engine and drive train and made the truck into a mud racing truck. I have won several trophies with this truck. I have recently completed construction on a 40' fifth wheel Big Tex dual axle trailer from scratch in my Ag Construction class. I received a Grand Champion ribbon at our county and district fairs. I will enter my trailer in the state FFA contest in the spring. If the trailer wins at the state level, I will then be able to enter it in the National FFA contest in Kentucky.

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