The 2002 Robert Bercaw Scholarship is awarded to Bradley L. Conover of Rochester, Indiana.  Brad is the son of Penny and David Conover and a 2002 graduate of Rochester High School and El-Tip-Wa Career Center.

Just over two years ago, welding instructor Ronald Geik spoke to the Rochester High School class and captured Brad’s interest.

“I had no idea what welding was at that time,” says Brad.  “I took the Welding Technology I class as a junior and learned so much.  I had perfect attendance because I wanted to be there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, always learning something new every day.  A lot of the learning was hands-on and I understood what the field was all about.”

“One of Brad’s most notable attributes is his exceptional worth ethic,” says Ronald Geik.  “Hard work and excellent attendance for two years have been key factors in the development of his commendable welding skills.”

In addition to his school projects that included repairing or fabricating things for area businesses, Brad has worked from blueprints to construct ramps for his pick up truck, carts for floats for the annual Logansport festival, and a two-wheel deer cart with sides to pull behind his family’s ATV.       

Brad has also had the opportunity to assist younger students, working with them while his Ag Mechanics teacher, Mr. Pearson, worked with another group. 

“Brad has always maintained a good rapport with classmates, instructors, and administrators, and has consistently demonstrated good judgment in personal and social matters,” continues Mr. Geik.

A member of the Rochester High School varsity bowling team, Brad has received several state tournament awards.  His experiences expand beyond high school through his work for ten years with the Fulton County 4-H program and the Whippoorwill Community Church.   He represented Indiana on a trip to Washington, DC, to attend the Citizen Washington Focus sponsored by Purdue University to strengthen his citizenship skills.  Brad has also worked for two years at the Streamliner Restaurant.

4-H leader LeeAnn Pollock says, “Additional training is a must in today’s job market.  Brad knows that he wants a career in welding and he strives to be the best.”

“I want to become a Gold Collar Worker and the best certified welder that I can be,” says Brad.  “I would like to continue my education and become a welding inspector, or possibly a welding engineer.”

“Brad excels in the technical and academic aspects of welding technology.  He is a good problem-solver who can readily apply technical information to the shop environment,” Ronald Geik says. “I can state with confidence that Brad will certainly represent our welding industry with the highest of professional standards.” 

The Robert Bercaw Scholarship is one of three scholarships offered each year by the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  For further information or to obtain a scholarship brochure, call 1-800-332-9448 or visit our web site at http://www.welding.org.