Scholarship Awarded to Brad Singleton

The 2004 Robert Bercaw Scholarship is awarded to James Bradley (Brad) Singleton by the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Troy, Ohio.  Brad is a resident of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and a 2004 graduate of Bixby High School.  While in high school, he participated in a welding program at Tulsa Technology Center. 

 “I became interested in welding at a very young age,” explains Brad.  “I watched my uncle welding in his shop and became more curious about it from then on.  In the third grade, as we were studying careers in class, each student had to design a puppet with a specific career they could see themselves being in the future.  I made a welding puppet because I hoped that someday I could become a welder.  The more I was exposed to welding, the more fascinated I became.”

“Bradley is studious, serious about his career goals and shows a great desire to become the best he can be,” says Judy Folske, chemistry teacher at Bixby High School.  “Bradley is well rounded, involved in church activities, working and school.  He is an honorable young man, respectful, willing to work, and a likeable young man.” 

While in high school, Brad has been employed at Little Links Golf Club in the maintenance service department.  Club owner Eli Ingram says, “Bradley is a very independent and reliable worker who strives for perfection.  He is a hard worker and will complete any task asked of him.  He is always eager to learn and has an outstanding work ethic.”

“I chose welding because it allows me to have a hands-on career with a great opportunity to be successful doing something that I enjoy,” comments Brad.  “I like the challenge of learning new skills and working with tools and metals.  The high degree of skills involved in welding are appealing to me.  The options upon completion of my training will lead to endless choices in my desired field.”

Hobart Institute will play a part in helping Brad reach his goal of becoming a pipeline welder as he pursues the nine-month Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program.

“After traveling for several years as a pipeline welder, I plan to open my own business or work in a metal fabrication shop.  I feel that Hobart Institute will prepare me to achieve all of my welding goals.”

James Bradley Singleton is the son of Ken and Brenda Singleton of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

The Robert Bercaw Scholarship is one of three scholarships presented each year by the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  A scholarship application may be obtained from http://www.welding.org or by calling 1-800-332-9448.