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Chicago member bounces his way to gold Earl Pote, a Local 1 Boilermaker from Chicago, discovered a fascination for pogo sticks at age 12, after seeing one at a local carnival. Decades later, his passion and dedication have secured him the 2024 Tech Pogo Stick World Championship, earned at the Pogo World Championships in Pittsburgh last summer. He previously won gold in Tech in 2009 and 2010 and claimed silver in 2011, despite competing with a broken foot. Pote said that from 2009 to 2011, he also competed in the Big Air competition, as well as in the Tech. He had to stop because he joined the military in 2012, and said he couldn’t risk getting severely injured while in the military. Pote’s most recent victory came in the Tech category, which requires participants to use steel spring pogo sticks. The tech style keeps pogoers closer to the ground and focuses on technical skills, unlike other categories, like Big Air, which allow for pneumatic pogo sticks that are lighter and can bounce higher. “Pogoing requires a lot of balance,” Pote explained. “The tech side, especially, requires a lot of balance. There are a lot of tricks that demand precise control. It comes with time and hours of practice.” Watch Earl Pote practice pogoing! Although his love for pogoing came first, joining the union gave him the freedom to practice the hundreds of hours needed to become a champion. Pote's journey into the Boilermakers began in February 2019, after serving six years in the United States Air Force. He discovered the union through Helmets to Hardhats, a program that helps military veterans transition into civilian trades. His military experience involved working on aircrew egress systems. Joining the union opened new doors for him and gave him a trade he could use to support himself and his pogo ambitions. Before indenturing into the Boilermaker’s apprenticeship program, Pote had no welding experience. “I hadn’t even struck an arc,” he said. “I put a lot of time into learning how to weld. I’d be at the hall for eight hours a day practicing when I was laid off. I also learned layout, something I didn’t know how to do before becoming a Boilermaker.” His new boilermaker skills made it possible for Pote to begin crafting his own brand of pogo stick called The Reaper. He began fabricating them out of his garage after the company that originally produced tech pogo sticks stopped making them. He decided if he couldn’t buy the pogo stick he needed, he’d design one himself. “I’m a Boilermaker at the end of the day, and I can make a pogo stick,” Pote said. The biggest challenge he faced in creating The Reaper was sourcing the right spring. After struggling to find a manufacturer, he finally located one in Chicago. They produced a prototype, which he tested and approved with the help of a friend. Pote used his own creation, The Reaper, to win the 2024 championship, a victory driven by skill, hours of practice, and the benefits of the union way of life. “Working in the union gives me the freedom of lifestyle,” Pote said. “If I was working a regular job, I wouldn’t be able to train the way I did for this competition.” — Oct 16
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Biden IRA, Dept of Energy funding restarts Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear, boosting Boilermaker jobs Read more about the Palisades Nuclear project from CNBC. When the Palisades Nuclear Plant in southern Michigan was mothballed in May 2022 after more than 40 years of commercial operation, it seemed the decommissioning was likely permanent. Just two years later in an “about face,” nuclear is regaining favor as a clean, efficient energy producer, and the plant has attracted an infusion of government funding that puts Palisades on track for a restart as early as the end of next year. Palisades owner, Holtec International, credits Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for taking the initial action to help the plant return to service, noting that Whitmer made it a priority and signed bipartisan legislation that provided state funding and supported Holtec’s application for federal financing. Whitmer pushed for and secured $150 million in state funding for the plant’s re-opening. Another $150 million was later invested. According to the Holtec's website, plans are in motion for repowering the facility, “Thanks to the groundswell of support from the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Energy… Getting Palisades back online gives Michigan a clean, reliable, safe source of continued energy. It provides hundreds of jobs to the community, as well as extended economic benefits for the region.” The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act provided an additional $1.5 billion to recommission the plant. “Thanks to President Biden, Governor Whitmer and the Democratic policies, union Boilermakers at Local 169 (Detroit) are being rewarded with work opportunities that would otherwise not exist,” said L-169 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Bob Hutsell. “And because of policies championed by the Democratic party, such as the Davis-Bacon Act, employees on site must receive prevailing wages, which protects union workers and provides opportunities for union contractors.” There are currently 22 Local 169 Boilermakers working at the Palisades site, and with the future work and proposed construction of two new modular units, Hutsell expects 60 Boilermakers will be on site. Palisades is planning to install two modular nuclear units once the recommissioning is complete. As of December 2023, Holtec had begun its program to build its first two SMR-300 reactor units at Palisades. The existing Palisades plant, refurbished with an array of enhancements, is on track to be restarted by the end of 2025 and is designed to provide decades of safe and reliable service. The addition of two SMRs near the existing 800-MW plant will nearly double the Michigan site’s total carbon-free generation capacity. On their website, Holtec stated: “A restart of Palisades could mark a turning point for the nuclear industry after a decade in which a dozen reactors have shut down across the country.” Palisades is being credited as the catalyst for the recent announcement from Constellation on restarting Pennylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit 1, which provides Boilermaker work for Local 13 (Philadelphia). — Oct 14
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National Tripartite Alliance remains strong during changes Amid a time of significant change within the Boilermakers union, newly elected International President Tim Simmons set the tone for the 37th MOST National Tripartite Alliance conference held near San Diego Aug. 26-29. Simmons gave a powerful message, emphasizing the union’s perseverance and the need to serve the members. Simmons acknowledged recent news about indictments handed down by the Department of Justice and the federal investigation into the union, as well as the unprecedented changes in the union’s leadership. “We have a constitution that directs us…and we have followed the [Boilermakers union] constitution faithfully. We have made other changes, which our members have appreciated, our contractors have applauded and that have strengthened our organization.” He upheld that the union’s future is secure, while also recognizing that the path forward will likely not be without challenges. Simmons pointed to the Boilermakers’ history in steam and the doom that lay over the union when the locomotive steam engine was replaced by diesel—eliminating the bread-and-butter work of many Boilermakers. “It was the dedication and adaptability of union Boilermakers that allowed us as an organization to change course and redirect our resources into new industries and technologies,” he said. “That same determination is alive and well today.” He also reaffirmed his commitment to working together with the International Executive Council, staff, local lodge leaders and members to press forward and ensure Boilermakers continue to be the skilled craftspeople contractors and owners know and trust to man their projects. “We are here to listen to each other’s concerns and put our heads together to plot a path forward,” Simmons said. “We owe this to you, and we owe it to our brothers and sisters in the field who want to be able to provide for their families. “The Boilermakers union has faced storms before, and we will do so again—but we will persevere. We were forged by those generations that came before us, and we will build on their foundation to make better the lives of those who come after us.” Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, underscored the critical issue of elevated suicide rates within the construction sector. Notably, the industry’s suicide rate is four times higher than the national average, making it the second highest among U.S. industries. Bohmann emphasized the importance of understanding mental health as a continuum, where individuals may fluctuate between thriving and struggling due to various life events. She advocated for viewing mental health challenges as illnesses, rather than as moral failings. She highlighted that until the 1970s, suicide was considered a crime, leading to stigmatizing language that persists today. Several factors contribute to the heightened suicide risk in construction, including high stress levels, demanding work conditions, and a culture that often stigmatizes seeking help. Additionally, the industry employs a significant number of veterans, who may face challenges stemming from combat-related traumas, further elevating the risk. To address these challenges, CIASP is dedicated to creating a zero-suicide industry by providing resources and tools for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction. Bohmann advocates for peer-to-peer support, fostering social connectedness, and encouraging leadership to prioritize mental health alongside safety. She also stresses the importance of open conversations about mental health, suggesting that simple actions like checking in with colleagues or sharing supportive messages can make a significant difference. For immediate assistance, individuals can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors. Nuclear energy is gaining momentum on Wall Street, signaling a shift in this long-overlooked sector, according to Hilary Lane, Director of Fuel and Radiation Safety at the Nuclear Energy Institute. With 94 reactors across 53 U.S. sites, nuclear power provides about 18% of the nation’s energy and nearly half of its clean electricity. Its efficiency is notable, with a power capacity factor over 90%, far exceeding wind and solar’s 25-30%. The recent completion of Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Georgia, each at 1,100 MW, marks a significant milestone for the industry. Looking ahead, nuclear capacity is expected to triple from 100 gigawatts to 300 gigawatts over the next 25 years, driven by advanced nuclear technologies. These range from micro-reactors to large-scale reactors capable of powering cities. Beyond electricity, advanced nuclear can produce hydrogen and provide industrial process heat. Sectors like data centers, oil and gas and artificial intelligence are exploring nuclear energy to meet their growing energy needs. Projects such as TerraPower in Wyoming, which is converting coal plants to nuclear, and X-energy in Texas, which is collaborating with Dow Chemical, highlight nuclear’s industrial potential. Federal support for nuclear is increasing, with new legislation and tax credits boosting the sector. Bipartisan backing at the state level is also rising, with many states lifting restrictions and exploring ways to accelerate nuclear energy’s growth. MOST Programs Administrator Mark Garrett shared training updates and changes to drug testing and OSHA 10. He said that he’s spoken with apprentice coordinators in different areas and is informed about those who are coming into the union who may already have an OSHA 10 certificate. If he can verify a member has passed OSHA 10, they don’t need to retake it. “It streamlines the process and gets people to your jobsites,” he said. Garrett also said that in July, the MOST Board of Trustees decided to remove testing for marijuana metabolites. He said if a contractor or owner requests this testing, it’s still available. Garrett said the new mental health program introduced last year has received positive feedback. “I feel like we can’t talk enough about the mental health program.” Caucus reports delivered by chairmen representing each sector of the tripartite alliance detailed opportunities for improvement, but also praised successes. John Burnett with Chevron, chairman of the owners’ caucus, kicked off the reports noting several areas of importance to improve safety: hands-free standard for bolting, rigging training specific to the type of work to be performed, drug testing policies and concerns about opioid use, ongoing focus on significant injuries and fatalities, and attention to detail in permitting. The owners’ caucus also identified staffing and productivity, quality and access requirements as topics to address. “We need more up-front discussions about manpower availability and experience, especially at the local level,” Burnett said. “We need more transparency on per diem to obtain quality craftsmen. And contractors should continue to raise the level of expectations. It’s something the owners are passionate about.” Owners had a frank discussion about quality, manpower, availability and experience. Burnett stressed the need for transparency in communicating needs among the owners, contractors and Boilermakers to ensure the best quality of work is produced. Reporting for the contractors’ caucus was chairman Mike Bray, Senior Executive Consultant for Riggs Distler and Company, Inc. The caucus homed in on the need to understand referral rules, the need for open solicitation to man smaller work projects and the need for selectivity. Bray said contractors also want to better understand the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund—what’s available to help win work and how to go about utilizing the M.O.R.E. Work program. Training was also tops on their list, and Bray called for more or updated confined space training (some jobsites don’t accept MOST programs’ certification), advanced training on robotics, use and care of cordless tooling, and torquing and tension training. Also, he said, training is needed in new technology. “With new technology, we really have to train our people to get involved, to get into the scheduling and costing aspects of the business so that we can use Boilermakers on these jobs,” Bray said. Anthony Howell, AAIP and Executive Director-Construction Sector Operations, represented the labor caucus as chairman. Dovetailing with earlier reports, he began with the issue of travel cost and expenses Boilermakers incur to man projects, and he explained that being able to use per diem to offset those costs could make a big impact on recruiting. “It’s the first question they ask before they know anything else about us or the job: What’s the per diem?” he said. And, he said, the caucus also identified a need for better communication about the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund resources. “I spoke with some of the owners yesterday, and they told me how they appreciate how hard Boilermaker business managers and reps worked to respond to their needs,” he said. “Anything that can be done to spread out work is good,” Bray said. “Those who are doing that are getting better manpower fulfillment.” The National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers is 49 years old and continues to evolve by identifying and solving safety concerns. NACBE Executive Director Ron Traxler detailed programs offered by the organization, which was began as the result of tripartite discussions to address issues. “We’re like a three-legged stool,” Traxler began. “NACBE remains committed to our partnership. We do have a partnership with the IBB. We are stronger together. We all know that there have been some changes, but that’s what we do, we maximize on our strengths. We are stronger together and we must continue to work together.” He noted that combined, 417 years of experiences sits on the NACBE Board of Directors. He stressed the importance of being involved in the organization and its programs, especially those involved with safe working conditions. “Safety is paramount, and we collaborate with MOST to educate and develop programs,” Traxler said. “We all need a safe work environment.” — Oct 14
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Scholarship essays focus on the rise of unions Each year, Boilermaker scholarship candidates must answer an essay question and topic prompts as part of the application requirements. The question is different each year, and candidates must respond in 500 words or less. The 2024 Boilermakers Scholarship Essay question was: What economic conditions fueled the rise of labor unions in the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th Century? Compare and contrast the economic conditions from that period in history with conditions workers face today. Include topics such as wages, housing costs, safety, child labor or others. Following are the essays* as submitted by Khylle Felisilda, winner of Canada’s Edward Power Scholarship, and Alexander J. Hogston, winner of the U.S. Charles A. Jones Scholarship. By Khylle Cristie Felisilda daughter of Peter P. Felisilda, L-D359, Edmonton, Alberta Five years ago, I was invited to preview a local high school’s rendition of Oliver Twist, a story that encapsulates the atrocious working conditions of children in Victorian England—widely known as the plight of the poor during that time. While watching the play I felt a sense of outrage and sympathy as I witnessed the experiences of the young orphan children: neglected, abandoned, and tackling feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. It made me question, how did this happen? Why did this happen? How can we prevent this from further exacerbation? The origins of the Industrial Revolution are rooted in the economic transformation of Great Britain in the 19th Century. At this time, the economic ideas of classical liberalism had escalated across Europe, leading to the development of factory systems, innovative technology, and rapid urbanization. However, while new methods and mechanizations introduced significant positive changes in producing goods and services, poor working and living conditions stimulated a deterioration of the quality of life for most of the population. Factory owners had little sympathy for workers who were simply seen as necessary components of the production process. Under laissez-faire capitalism, the government was not involved in the economy and therefore, placed no restrictions on economic production. As industrialization continued, workers began to call for reforms. Suffering from low wages, dangerous working conditions, and frequent unemployment, workers protested violently against corporations. Workers sought an equal voice that represented their demands. They increasingly advocated for equal opportunities and respect for all members of society, leading to the birth of labour unions. During the 19th Century, several labour laws were introduced to the public including freedom of association, outlining the right to organize and negotiate collectively. They strongly believed that if workers in a specific trade banded, they could advocate for better hours and wages and threaten to strike if their interests have not been fulfilled. This challenged the prevalent notion that labourers held a lower status in society. Today, millions of workers are forced to accept inadequate working conditions. The global labour movement has witnessed a resurgence in recent years mainly because more and more employees are stipulating for better wages, benefits, and safety. Workers continue to suffer from unfair conditions such as being forced to work in hazardous environments with limited safety training resulting in physical and mental exertion. Hence, this proves that the modern-day world has yet to experience significant improvements concerning workers’ rights. However, since the Industrial Revolution, there have been improvements including the prevalence of women and racial minorities in the workforce, enforcing stricter child labour laws, and implementing several employee benefits. In summary, unions are largely responsible for stimulating growth in the economy. They were established to create better representation for individuals in the workforce by protecting employee rights and eradicating exploitation. Ultimately, there is still a profusion of room for improvement in today’s economy; however, conditions today have drastically ameliorated since the 19th Century. By Alexander J. Higston son of James R. Hogston, L-105, Chillicothe, Ohio With the explosion of discoveries and inventions in the late 1800s, the United States underwent an unmistakable technological revolution. Mass production became standard for most businesses. There was an upsurge in steel manufacturing, electricity distribution, and railroad construction. As America’s economy began booming from expanding markets, there was a growing issue behind the scenes. The class gap between the wealthy and the poor was growing exponentially. The rich were becoming more affluent and influential from the support of prosperous industries. The poor suffered financially and physically from their newfound conditions in the industrially dependent world. It was no secret the working class was being exploited and abused for the benefit of companies who hired them. Annual salaries barely amounted to $600. Employees could not support a family without working more than 12 hours daily. Working conditions were hazardous and deadly in many cases. Machine-related injuries and diseases from unsanitary workspaces were commonplace. Overseers of these workers completely disregarded employees’ well-being. The worst practice in almost every mass-production factory was the use of children younger than 16 for textile jobs, along with paying them a fraction of what regular workers received. One of the most horrific cases of worker neglect was the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Owners of the factory had locked the fire escape routes, and 146 workers, primarily young women, were killed. Accidents like this sparked widespread activism and protests against child labor and the disregard for low-class workers. Throughout the 1900s, whistleblowers exposed extreme and illegal practices. Over time, unions began to form. Employees were no longer allowing the abuse. The voice of one is faint, but the voices of many demand attention. With the help of union representatives, they started negotiating long-term contracts with the corporations. Unions helped ensure workers received superior benefits and guaranteed the safety and rights of every union member. The advantages of these longstanding unions are still seen today. Employees can secure safe working environments with a considerable wage through collective bargaining and contract negotiations. They have benefits that 1900s workers could only dream of, including pensions and medical coverage. Union members can voice concerns and opinions without jeopardizing the security of their jobs or, worse, their livelihood. It has been the best resolution to fight the abuse of large businesses and corporate greed. However, even with the increase in workers’ authority, some companies still run on exploitation. Companies without union representation continue offering their employees little to no benefits, with working environments barely meeting health standards. The difference between these corporations and those in the late 19th century is their keen ability to hide disagreeable business practices. Fortunately, unions have made significant progress in attaining the rights and safety of all workers. Unions like the International Brotherhood have provided safe and lucrative jobs to members like my father and continue to fight against cruel enterprises that have no care for the working class, on whose backs this country was and is being built. *Editor’s note: These scholarship essays are the original work and independent thought of student authors. — Oct 11
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2024 scholarship winners announced The International Executive Council has announced the winners of the 2024 scholarship award program. The Boilermakers’ scholarship committee was allotted $100,000 to award in total, with $74,000 earmarked for U.S. applicants and $26,000 for Canadian applicants. IBB received 106 total eligible applications from Boilermaker dependents. The applicants were judged on their academic achievements, leadership skills, participation in extracurricular activities and a written essay. Edward Power Scholarship Award The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded the $5,000 scholarship to the following Canadian applicant: Kyhlle Cristie Felisilda, daughter of Local D359 (Edmonton, Alberta) member Peter P. Felisilda, graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School and is studying biology at the University of Alberta. View Essay Canadian student receives $3,000 scholarship The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $3,000 to the following Canadian applicant: Jo Tabithared Gripo, daughter of Local D345 (Calgary, Alberta) member Michelred Gripo, graduated from All Saints High School and is studying engineering at the University of Calgary. Eighteen Canadian students receive $1,000 scholarships The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $1,000 scholarships to the following Canadian applicants: Keira Mae Barth, daughter of Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario) member Eric K. Barth and granddaughter of Kurt Barth, graduated from Uxbridge Secondary School and is studying nursing at the University of Ottawa. Jasmine Scarlett Dawn Bencharski, daughter of Local 555 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) member Jason Bencharski, graduated from Indian Head High School and is studying elementary education at the University of Regina. Michelle Borovik, daughter of Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario) member Vladimir Borovik, graduated from Bishop Allen Academy and is studying management at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. Eli Jonathan David Bradley, son of Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) member Jarediah Bradley, graduated from Victoria School of the Arts and is studying finance at the University of Alberta. Mia-Bella Kadin Calderon, stepdaughter of Local 555 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) member Ryan Sellar, graduated from Miles Macdonell Collegiate and is studying respira- tory therapy at the University of Winnipeg. Shea Lynn Carr, daughter of Local 73 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) member Johnathon Carr, graduated from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School and is studying human kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University. Namara Anne Clarke, daughter of Local 73 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) member David R. Clarke, graduated from Northumberland Regional High School and is studying biology at St. Francis Xavier University. Kate Marie Dalton, daughter of Local 203 (St. John’s, Newfoundland) member Albert M. Dalton, graduated from Roncalli Central High and is studying nursing at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Caitlin Mae Delaurier, daughter of Local 555 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) member Terence S. Delaurier, graduated from Albert E. Peacock Collegiate and is studying real estate studies at the University of Calgary. Alyssa Teresa Ennis, daughter of Local 203 (St. John’s, Newfoundland) member Thomas R. Ennis, graduated from Roncalli Central High and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Hunter Shawn Leslie Hall, son of Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) member Robert Hall, graduated from St. Francis Xavier and is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree at MacEwan University. Jocelynn Kalee Hill, daughter of Local 555 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) member Dustin K. Hill, graduated from Albert E. Peacock Collegiate and is studying dental assistance at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Anna Noelle Jessome, daughter of Local 580 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) member Michael R. Jessome, graduated from Hants East Rural High School and is studying biology at Saint Mary’s University. Samuel Zakary Leblanc, son of Local 73 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) member Mario S. Leblanc, graduated from Mathieu-Martin High School and is studying mechanical engineering at Université de Moncton. Elohor Jennifer Omoko, daughter of Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) member Joseph Omoko, graduated from Dr. Anne Anderson High School. Emma Alyssa Snow, daughter of Local 73 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) member George C. Snow, graduated from East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy. Alyssa Marie Suter, stepdaughter of Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario) member Christopher Hurd, graduated from Great Lakes Secondary School and is studying nursing at Lambton College. Anaya Szabo, daughter of Local D385 (Vancouver, British Columbia) member Jason Szabo, graduated from Panorama Ridge Secondary School. Charles A. Jones Scholarship Award The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded the $5,000 scholarship to the following U.S. applicant: Alexander J. Hogston, son of Local 105 (Chillicothe, Ohio) member James R. Hogston, graduated from Lawrence County High School, is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky. View Essay U.S. student receives $4,000 scholarship The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $4,000 to the following U.S. applicant: Celia Elizabeth Parson, daughter of Local 667 (Winfield, West Virginia) member Timothy E. Parson, graduated from West Greene Junior-Senior High School and is studying physical therapy at Duquesne University and plans to pursue a doctoral degree. Four U.S. students awarded $3,000 scholarships The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $3,000 to the following U.S. applicants: Lindsay Briggs, daughter of Local D239 (Three Forks, Montana) member Jeffrey C. Briggs, graduated from Whitehall High School and is studying child development at Brigham Young University, Idaho. Shylah Ann Brogan, daughter of Local 697 (Marshfield, Wisconsin) member Kelly J. Brogan, graduated from Marshfield High School and is studying biology at St. Catherine University. Grace Ann Herford, daughter of Local 587 (Orange, Texas) member Clay Herford, graduated from Vidor High School and is studying business administration and financial management at Texas A&M University. Chesney Brooke Johnson, daughter of Local 454 (Chattanooga, Tennessee) member Jeremiah J. Johnson, graduated from Haralson County High School and is studying biology at Young Harris College. IEC awards eight $2,000 scholarships to U.S. students The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $2,000 to the following U.S. applicants: Addison Brielle Bond, daughter of Local 40 (Elizabethtown, Kentucky) member Christopher D. Bond, graduated from East Carter County High School and is studying biomedical science, pre-dentistry, at Morehead State University. Michael DiCicco, son of Local 28 (Newark, New Jersey) member James DiCicco, graduated from Clearview Regional High School and is studying chemical engineering at Rowan University. Hanna Emma Fowler, daughter of Local 627 (Phoenix) member Davis H. Fowler, graduated from Page High School and is studying astrophysics at Yale University. Gabriela F. Locon, daughter of Local 549 (Pittsburg, California) member Rodolfo G. Locon, graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy and is studying neurobiology, physiology and behavior at the University of California, Davis. Justin Dakota Nelson, son of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) mem- ber Justin D. Nelson, graduated from Seneca High School and is studying mechanical engineering at Missouri S&T. Spencer Ray Taylor, stepson of Local 502 (Tacoma, Washington) member Eric R. Varley, graduated from Prairie High School and is studying business administration at Clark College. Jacob Weber, son of Local 45/Zone 193 (Richmond, Virginia) member Daniel J. Weber, graduated from Archbishop Curley High School and is studying sports business management at Leeds University. Brianna Elizabeth Wood, daughter of Local 60 (Peoria, Illinois) member Jeremy C. Wood, graduated from Pekin Community High School and is studying nursing at Bradley University. Thirty-seven U.S. students receive $1,000 scholarships The IEC Scholarship Committee has awarded $1,000 to the following U.S. applicants: Edward Michael Andrews, son of Local 744 (Cleveland, Ohio) member Michael E. Andrews, graduated from St. Edward High School and is studying business at Baldwin-Wallace University. McKenna Armstrong, daughter of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) member Jason H. Armstrong, graduated from Staley High School and is studying communications at Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods. Terryn Pyper Avery, daughter of Local S1978 (Rock Springs, Wyoming) member Jeremiah M. Avery, graduated from Green River High School and is studying business management at Western Wyoming Community College. Elley Jan Bennett, daughter of Local 363 (East St. Louis, Illinois) member John A. Bennett IV, graduated from Newton Community High School and is studying exercise science and pre-physical therapy at the University of Evansville. DenTallia Oceanda Betoney, daughter of Local 4 (Page, Arizona) member Andrea Nez, graduated from Farmington High School and is studying health and kinesiology at the University of Utah. Ciara Taylor Bonner, daughter of Local 374 (Hobart, Indiana) member Matthew Q. Bonner, graduated from Chesterton High School and is studying exercise science at Marian University’s Ancilla College. Samantha Grace Borlie, daughter of Local 1393 (Altoona, Pennsylvania) member Steven P. Borlie, graduated from Penn Cambria High School and is studying ultrasonography at Mount Aloysius College. Carina J. Brawdy, daughter of Local 5/Zone 7 (Floral Park, New York) member Scott T. Brawdy, graduated from West Seneca West Senior High School and is studying law at the University of Buffalo. Sydney Catherine Bullock, daughter of Local 28 (Newark, New Jersey) member Brandon J. Bullock, graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School and is studying biology at Florida Atlantic University. Nevaeh Burdge, stepdaughter of Local 107 (Milwaukee) member Bradley Guizzetti, graduated from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School and is studying biology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Makenna Burge, daughter of Local 502 (Tacoma, Washington) member Garrett R. Burge, graduated from Southridge High School and is studying forensic science at Arizona State University. Keira Joy Cole, daughter of Local 107 (Milwaukee) member Daniel J. Cole, graduated from Oconto Falls High School and is studying diagnostic medical sonography at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Curtis Andrew Cole Crockett, son of Local 2060 (Great Lakes NTD) member Joshua J. Crockett, graduated from Ramsey High School and is studying business at Eastern Illinois University. Bryce T. Dunning, son of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) member Kevin T. Dunning, graduated from Bennington High School and is studying critical facilities management at Metropolitan Community College. Jason Edward Dupuis, Jr., son of Local 237 (Hartford, Connecticut) member Jason E. Dupuis, Sr., graduated from Glastonbury High School and is studying biomedical science at Marist College. Matavi Dypha, daughter of Local 92 (Los Angeles) member Samarn Dypha, graduated from Moreno Valley High School and is studying computer engineering at the University of California, San Diego. Troy Adam Ewigman, son of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) member Adam L. Ewigman, graduated from Marceline High School and is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri. Aliyanna Ariel Fernandez, daughter of Local 5/Zone 5 (Oswego, New York) member Moises Fernandez, graduated from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School and is studying secondary education and mathematics at Stony Brook University. Gabriel Foster, son of Local 110 (Hattiesburg, Mississippi) member Donnie L. Foster, Jr., graduated from Lawrence County High School and is studying diesel equipment technology at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Isabelle Amerett Gomez, daughter of Local 92 (Los Angeles) member Ryan A. Gomez, graduated from Fullerton Union High School and is studying social work at California State University of Long Beach. Daniel Gorskikh, son of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) member Genady V. Gorskikh, graduated from Knoxville High School. Hannah Jensen, daughter of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) member Casey G. Jensen, graduated from Olathe North High School and is studying nursing at Baker University. Camryn Marie Klingensmith, daughter of Local 85 (Toledo,Ohio) member Philip D. Klingensmith, graduated from Perrysburg High School and is studying dental hygiene at The Ohio State University. Reid Jason Landis, son of Local 667 (Winfield, West Virginia) member Jason G. Landis, graduated from Ripley High School and is studying biochemistry at West Virginia University. Lila Grace O’Hanlon, daughter of Local 28 (Newark, New Jersey) member Robert O’Hanlon, graduated from Holmdel High School. Leeah Peles, daughter of Local 154 (Pittsburgh) member Robert J. Peles, graduated from Purchase Line Junior-Senior High School and is studying at Temple University. Savanna Marie Pfetzer, daughter of Local 105 (Chillicothe, Ohio) member Daniel Pfetzer, graduated from Campbell County High School. Rosamond Jacinta Goncalves Porter, daughter of Local 1851 (Springfield, Massachusetts) member Jose G. Porter, graduated from South Hadley High School and is studying physics at Holyoke Community College. Danessa Jo Pride, daughter of Local 374 (Hobart, Indiana) member Douglas V. Pride, graduated from Pike Central High School and is studying at Ivy Tech Community College, deciding between accounting and nursing. Marissa Ray, daughter of Local 454 (Chattanooga, Tennessee) member Michael E. Ray, graduated from Rhea County High School and is studying occupational therapy at Cleveland State Community College. Michael Ryan, son of Local 5/Zone 5 (Oswego, New York) member Thomas F. Ryan, graduated from Yorktown High School and is studying electrical construction and utility operation at State University of New York at Delhi. Sean Joseph Ryan, son of Local 5/Zone 5 (Oswego, New York) member Thomas F. Ryan, graduated from Yorktown High School and is studying chemical engineering at Manhattan College. Monique Monserrat Salinas, daughter of Local 549 (Pittsburg, California) member Jose L. Salinas, graduated from South Texas ISD Health Professions and is studying communication sciences and disorders at the University of Rio Grande Valley. Alexis Nicole Shuttleworth, daughter of Local 212 (Geneva, Ohio) member Joseph A. Shuttleworth, graduated from Geneva High School and is studying sports management at Bowling Green State University. John Hart Turner, son of Local 108 (Bessemer, Alabama) member William E. Turner, graduated from Oak Grove High School and is studying computer engineering at the University of Alabama. Emily Dawne Voigt, daughter of Local 647 (Ramsey, Minnesota) member Luke A. Voigt, graduated from Mandan High School and is studying agribusiness and marketing at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Jack James Whalen, son of Local 13 (Philadelphia) member John J. Whalen, graduated from North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School and is studying nursing at Penn State, Schuylkill. How to apply for 2025 scholarships Know someone who should apply for a 2025 Boilermaker scholarship? Visit scholarships.boilermakers.org for full instructions and the online application form. — Oct 11