Mechanical Contractors Association Presents Scholarships
May 31, 2011
$18,000 AWARDED TO NINE UPSTATE COLLEGE STUDENTS; $1,000 PRESENTED TO TWO UPSTATE HIGH SCHOOLERS
UPSTATE, SC – May 31, 2011- The Piedmont Chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina (MCASC) has announced the award of nine $2,000 scholarships to Upstate collegians who have indicated an interest in pursuing a career in the Mechanical Contracting Industry.
For over twenty years, scholarships have been awarded by the MCASC to students throughout South Carolina. Applicants must be residents of South Carolina and provide documentation that he/she is pursuing a course of study at an Institution of higher learning in South Carolina that will enhance their abilities to work directly in the Mechanical Contracting Industry. The Mechanical Contracting Industry encompasses Electrical, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Plumbing trades.
Ultimately, preparing these college students as future leaders in the mechanical industry is our goal through the award of these scholarships, said Allison Knox, MCASC Piedmont Chapter President.
In addition, the Piedmont Chapter announced sponsorship of two $500 tuition awards to the South Carolina Business Week program on behalf of two deserving Upstate high school students.
The mission of South Carolina Business Week is to contribute to the preparation of young adults for the business environment by introducing them to the principles of leadership, teamwork and the American free enterprise system while promoting self-reliance, individual responsibility and entrepreneurship.
College scholarship winners included:
- Matthew Childs of Pickens; son of Melissa and Danny Childs, attending Tri-County Technical College
- Kyle Fry of Greenville; son of Lisa Stiwinter and James Fry; attending The Citadel
- Stephen Hall, II of Pacolet; son of Tammy Snipes; attending Spartanburg Community College
- Chris Hearn of Greenville; son of Vickie and Jim Hearn; attending Clemson University
- Weber Jacques of Taylors; son of Tami and Bob Jacques; attending Clemson University
- Thomas Minor, Jr. of Greenville.; son of Karen and Thomas Minor; attending The Citadel
- Reid Polstra of Simpsonville; son of Karen and Dan Polstra; attending Clemson University
- Alyssa Simpson of Piedmont; daughter of Lisa and Al Simpson; attending Clemson University
- Kaitlin Whatley of Taylors; daughter of Donna and John Whatley; attending University of Georgia
High school students receiving South Carolina Business Week awards included Catherine Ollevia Pitney of Greenville, daughter of Julie and Bill Pitney, and currently a junior at Greenville Senior High School; and Ashley Michelle Strickland of Greenville, daughter of Nancy and Elmo Strickland, and currently a junior at Greenville Tech Charter High School.
To be eligible for the Business Week awards, students had to demonstrate leadership skills through school and community activities, submit an essay on what they expect to gain from participation in Business Week and how it would prepare them for a future in the working world, rank academically in the top one-third of their class, and have at least complete their sophomore year by spring 2011.
Business Week provides students the opportunity to learn about all aspects of business and test their newly acquired knowledge in a computer simulation designed to achieve a real company feel with challenging, real-world situations. Along with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership skills, Business Week includes programs on entrepreneurship, ethics in business, leadership profiling and the significance of diversity in business.
Funds for all scholarships are generated through two annual events organized by members of the association — Clays for College in the spring and the Piedmont MCASC Golf Tournament each fall.
The Piedmont Chapter of the MCASC includes: Abbeville, Anderson, Chester, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Spartanburg, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Union, and York counties.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina (MCASC) has been serving the Electrical, Mechanical (HVAC), and Plumbing Industries since 1912. The MCASC works with other industry associations, trade groups and governmental agencies in an advocacy role related to industry related issues. For additional information, contact Mona Flowers at (803) 772-7834.
