A 2007 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa, Michael R. Petersen is the recipient of the Alumni Scholarship at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. 

“Michael is an outstanding candidate and truly deserving,” says Brad Barrett, head coach for the high school hockey team.  “He is very focused and driven to do a great job.”

Hard work is nothing new to Michael, who says, “I have always had to balance work, school, and sports activities.” 

During his junior year of high school, Michael was the recipient of an award for outstanding effort; and as a senior, he received a Senior Achievement Award also for welding.

“I really enjoyed helping design and build two steel stands for a neighboring high school football program,” says Mike.  “This experience helped me choose welding as a career and realize the need to further my education at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.” 

“Mike has consistently worked hard and pushes himself to improve his skills,” says Ralph T. Young, campus welding instructor.  “His dedication to excellence is unmatched.  Mike has been a true role model for the students in my class.” 

Michael received a state football award for participating in the State High School Football Playoffs as the Lincoln Rails Football Team qualified for state this year. He was also on his high school hockey team and played in the school band.   Meanwhile, he also held part-time jobs in restaurants and delivering ice.   

“Among his many fine qualities is his sense of responsibility, as exemplified in his good attendance at school and preparing himself for college,” says Carl Van Tuyl, Social Studies Instructor at Lincoln High School.  “He is a mature and polite individual who gets along well with both students and teachers.” 

Michael is the son of Richard and Marcy Petersen and is enrolled in the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program at Hobart Institute.