In partnership with SkillsUSA, Fine Homebuilding has raised $70,000 to fund scholarships for students in construction-related fields. Here are the recipients of the 2018-2019 Masonry and Plumbing Scholarships:
Jacqueline Medina
High school senior Jacqueline Medina is one of the Keep Craft Alive and SkillsUSA scholarship recipients pursuing a career in masonry. Jacqueline’s fascination with masonry began at a young age. She would go with her father to his work site, ask questions, and try to help him in any way she could. To Jacqueline, masonry and building is so much more than just putting parts together, “It is unbelievable to think that I will start the foundation where one grows up to be themselves, study, sleep, cook, and everything a natural being does daily,” Medina expresses. Through masonry, Medina is playing a part in creating the most special place a person can have- a home. Jacqueline is known to be a leader, an intelligent and hard-working student, and a person who possesses resourcefulness and drive. She also has a strong determination to expand her knowledge and gain more experience which she has done and will continue to do. She attended a week-long construction camp at Texas A&M University and in the future wants to keep pursuing masonry and keeping craft alive.
Michelle Perez
Michelle Perez is a scholarship recipient hoping to pursue a career in masonry. Michelle’s love for masonry stemmed from her first construction technical class. As the only girl Michelle feared she would be ostracized, but she found that all of her surrounding students supported and encouraged her and she left the class a more confident woman. Since then, she has been selected to be a Public Commissioner for Warren High School SkillsUSA board, and participated in the Downy Unified School District maintenance internship program where she was given hands-on experience. Michelle says, “My true passion will always be in the area masonry, it is a craft that puts me in a state of serenity and peace.” Michelle’s passion, excellent leadership, communication, organization, and reliability skills on top of her ability to connect with others and her continuous positive attitude have led her to many successes and will lead her to more in the future.
Darian Edsitty
Sophomore Darian Edsitty is a recipient hoping to pursue plumbing. Over the course of Darian’s life thus far he has spotted many problems in his local plumbing system, and is motivated to learn the necessary skills to improve it. He has competed in many competitions and his dogged efforts and skills are reflected in his success. He has competed in the SkillsUSA New Mexico State Leadership and Skills conference, and just last year earned a silver medal in the plumbing competition. He plans on returning in attempt to get the gold. “After joining SkillsUSA, I realized that I had a tremendous opportunity for me to become an even better plumber by competing against other students nationwide. I get the opportunity to showcase my passion and skill. It is still one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences I’ve had,” Darian says. With his resources, Darian plans to pursue a career in the plumbing field and continue to learn and improve in order to keep making a difference.
Trey Johnson
College freshman Trey Johnson is a Keep Craft Alive and SkillsUSA scholarship recipient pursuing plumbing and HVACR. Trey was born into a family who shared the same passion for these trades. His family owns and operates a HVACR and plumbing business started by his great, great grandfather. To Trey, being a craftsman is so much more than an occupation, it’s a way to provide solutions for those seeking them. Growing up in and around his family business, he learned that customer satisfaction is the foundation of the job. “One of the best feelings is after we complete a job and show the customer how everything turned out. Seeing the smiles on their faces, reflecting their satisfaction with our craftsmanship, makes the long hours and hard work worth it,” Trey says. Trey won the silver medal in the North Dakota SkillsUSA competition for plumbing, will get his plumbing degree in May, and then return to North Dakota State College of Science to continue on in the 2 year HVACR Technology Program. His future goals include expanding his family business, creating a pre-college internship program where he can mentor aspiring plumbers and continue to volunteer at the fire department alongside his father and uncle.
Help support next year’s scholarships by purchasing your #KeepCraftAlive T-Shirt. All profits from T-shirt sales will go to the Fine Homebuilding and SkillsUSA’s scholarship Fund.
