A Look at Four A-B Tech Foundation Scholarship Recipients
The A-B Tech Foundation receives scholarship money from a variety of sources, and this month's featured students have benefited from scholarships created from company-based donations.
Dale Fletcher, the STG, Inc. Annual Scholarship recipient, suffered a work-related injury that resulted in permanent disability, but he was still actively seeking employment. Unable to continue in his field of expertise, Fletcher realized he needed additional education and training to secure a job. He is now studying Computer Engineering Technology and would like to work in Computer and Network Maintenance, System Integration or Communications.
William Griffin, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and recipient of the Volvo Construction Equipment Annual Scholarship, spent 30 years at his previous job before the factory where he worked closed. Understanding the need for a formal education to secure a good job, Griffin graduated this past month from the Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology curriculum.
David Hawkins, recipient of the United Healthcare Endowment Scholarship, graduated in May from the Nursing program. He now plans to attend Western Carolina University on a part-time basis so he can work and gain experience as a registered nurse within the local hospital system. "It is through nursing that I wish to make my contribution both to society and the community," Hawkins wrote in his scholarship application essay.
Ernie MacDaniel, awarded the Joseph Dave Engineering Endowed Scholarship, lost his job in 2001, but what he saw being presented was an opportunity to pursue his education. Ernie's initial goal was to secure his GED, and he followed that with his first degree from A-B Tech, which he earned with honors in 2003. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Ernie is now studying within the Construction Management Technology curriculum.
Donation Given to Jessie Copp Kramer Scholarship
Max Fowler (center) and Frank Muse (right), representing the Hominy Valley Wildlife Club, present Bill Warren, chair of the Jessie Copp Kramer/Hominy Valley Scholarship Committee, a check for $3,827.
The check was then presented to Anita Metcalf, Executive Director of the A-B Tech Foundation, so that the donation may be used to provide funding for the Jessie Copp Kramer scholarship, created in memory of the Enka High School English teacher.
Scholarship applicants must be a resident of the Hominy Valley Community for at least one year or have attended school there.
Plant Operations Adds Two Full-time Employees
Two employees, Tamara Sovinskiy and Nadia N. Tumash, became full-time members of the Plant Operations staff in April after working as part-time custodians for the previous seven months.
Prior to coming to A-B Tech, Sovinskiy worked at Enka High School and Tumash was employed at Weaverville United Methodist Church.
Myrick, Hall Recognized for Excellence in Public Service
Skye Myrick and Diane Hall are presented certificates by Lt. Col. Eric McKinley, Commander of the Air Force Combat Climatology Center, during a May 12 breakfast for the Asheville-Buncombe Excellence in Public Service Awards.
Myrick, Executive Director of Occupational and Public Service Training Programs, was a finalist in the Outstanding Executive Manager category.
Hall, Secretary in the Admissions Office, was a finalist in the Outstanding Administrative Support Employee category.