BERCAW SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

The 2005 Robert Bercaw Scholarship has been awarded to Tyler Gandee of Crown City, Ohio.  A recent graduate of Fairland High School and Collins Career Center, Tyler is the son of Steve and Lisa Gandee. 

During his senior year, Tyler represented Collins Career Center in the regional SkillsUSA-VICA competition and placed second.  He proceeded to the next level of competition and placed third in welding at the State contest.  He was also selected as the outstanding welding student in both his junior and senior years of high school and was on the honor roll at Collins Career Center.  Participating in several community projects, Tyler worked in design and construction of candy canes and snowflakes for Winter Wonderland Christmas decorations for the City of Ashland and man-baskets for McGinnis Marine, Inc. along with other various projects and repairs for members of the community. 

“Tyler is industrious, versatile, and has a strong work ethic,” says Tomilynne Blankenship, School Counselor at Collins Career Center.  “He also works independently and is motivated to get things accomplished before he is asked to do so.”

“Tyler has been participating in the School of Apprenticeship Program through the State of Ohio,” explains Michael Staton, Welding Instructor at Collins.  “In this program, he has been an employee of the Liebert Corporation as a welder/machine assembler.  Throughout this year, he has maintained a 95% attendance at both work and school.” 

“Tyler is an asset for the Liebert Corporation and it has been a pleasure to have him as an employee,” says Tracy Waddell, Manufacturing Quality Engineer for Liebert.  “He is self-motivated, has a great attitude, and works well in a team-oriented environment.  Tyler has a very bright future ahead of him.”

“Welding is different and exciting,” says Tyler.  “There was just something about welding that caught my eye; whether it was the sparks, or the heat, or the fact that I could be doing something that paid well and something that I enjoy.  Welding is more than just taking a rod and laying down a weld.  It is being able to read a blueprint and making a strong weld; it is constructing a part and being proud to put your name on it.  A welder doesn’t just weld; he is cutting metal, crafting critical parts for a high-class machine and, most of all, he is helping keep this world together.” 

“Tyler is a very good welder who is always starving for more information,” says Anthony Haas, Supervisor at Liebert Corporation.  “He has a willingness to learn and the potential to be a great leader.”

“I am eager to not only learn more aspects of welding, but also to polish my skills in the processes I have already acquired,” comments Tyler.  “A person can never quit learning when it comes to welding.  There is always something new in this world full of technology and there is always somebody out there to teach new things if someone wants to learn.  I am ready and willing to learn and compete in the best career any person could find.” 

“I plan to become the best welder I can be, both mentally and physically,” Tyler continues.  “Mastering every aspect of welding is my goal and I will set forth all efforts to achieve this goal.”

 For information about Hobart Institute scholarships, check the web site at http://www.welding.org/scholarship.pdf or call 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5300 or 937-332-5300.  If you wish to contribute to a scholarship fund to assist students in financing their welding education, please see http://www.welding.org/cart/donation.htm or call 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5247 or 937-332-5247.