They want to become a nurse, a doctor, a veterinarian, a teacher, an engineer, a missionary and a soldier. Some want to study abroad, work in the family business, start their own companies, raise a family, or “just do something special to help people.” Others have adopted a wait-and-see approach.
These are some of the career objectives 14 high school graduates from across the United States and Canada have in mind as they begin their college careers this fall, with the help of $1,000 scholarships from Goulds Pumps, a brand of ITT Corp.
All of the 14 collegiate aspirants are part of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) family. GPDA is said to be the industry's oldest and largest association, comprised of more than 6,500 independent water systems professionals.
“I don't know if it's a trend, but this year's graduating class seemed particularly interested in doing something that helps people,” says ITT's Dennis Coggins. “It's a credit to these very distinguished young men and women and their parents and mentors that they want to make this world a better place. I hope they will follow in the footsteps of many previous GPDA scholarship winners who have gone on to promising careers. We are proud to assist them in helping them pursue their dreams.”
This year's scholarship winners:
Jenilee Parker,daughter of Frank and Vera Parker - Frank Parker's Plumbing, Westville, Nova Scotia.
Geoffrey Cresswell,son of W. Scott Cresswell - Cresswell Drilling Co., Dalton, Pa.
Tyler Land,son of David and April Land - Land's Electric Repair Inc., Taylorsville, N.C.
Douglas Griffin,son of Doug and Sandra Griffin - Griffin Well Drilling, Bainbridge, Ga.
Jenna Kuipers,daughter of John and Elizabeth Kuipers - J. Kuipers Plumbing, Meadow Valley, Calif.
Torey Edwards- Olsen Well Drilling Inc., Boring, Ore.
Katelyn Junkin,daughter of Murry and Grace Junkin - Murry Junkin Plumbing, Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
Megan McPherson,daughter of Steven McPherson - McPherson Well Drilling Inc., White Lake, Mich.
Melissa Dale,daughter of Mike and Nancy Dale - Dale Plumbing and Heating Inc., Glasgow, Mont.
Steven Durand,son of Tammy Durand - A&V Water, Decatur, Texas.
Danielle Bender,daughter of Joseph Bender - Ground Exploration Co., Arvada, Colo.
Brittany Woodward,daughter of Mark and Tammy Woodward - Madison Plumbing and Electric, Madison, Va.
Jennifer Bracken,daughter of James and JoAnn Bracken - Bracken Well Drilling, Burgettstown, Pa.
Jamie Armington,daughter of Paul and Martha Armington - Armington Plumbing and Heating, Lovell, Maine.
Best of luck to all these young adults in reaching their goals - both academic and personal.
