Insulators Union Florence Bernard/ Alta Miller Scholarship recipients

The 31st Annual Florence Bernard/Alta Miller Scholarship Drawing was held virtually on July 21 at the International Office in Maryland, with International staff and officers pulling names in a random, basket-style drawing to award the scholarships.

The event normally occurs during a dinner gathering held at the end of the now combined Local Union Officers Meeting, Joint Apprenticeship Committee Conference and Master Apprentice Competition (MAC). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire weeklong event was cancelled, including the scholarship dinner. Despite the in-person event being cancelled, the International was committed to preserving the tradition of awarding the scholarship funds and grants, and decided to hold a virtual drawing. 

In 1990, then General President William G. Bernard was honored with a dinner. Bernard, who served as the HFIAW General President from 1989 to 2001, and his wife began an Insulators Union scholarship fund from the dinner’s proceeds.

The scholarship is named in honor of Bernard’s mother and mother-in-law, Florence Bernard and Alta Miller, who both passed away in 1989, and all the mothers of all Insulators members.

Since 1990, the Insulators Union has annually awarded the Florence Bernard/Alta Miller Scholarships during a dinner event. The names of all the entrants are placed into a drum and the significant others of our Union’s leadership randomly draw the one-year scholarship winners.

Bernard’s dedication to the union and commitment to development and leadership lives on through the scholarships, which are annually awarded to deserving members or family members of the Insulators Union. Each student receives a $5,000 scholarship to continue his or her education.

The Florence Bernard/Alta Miller Scholarship Fund also provides for awards in the form of $5,000 grants to support special education programs for the mentally or physically challenged.

During the 2007 Convention, delegates voted to perpetually fund the scholarship by the general membership at a rate of one-half of 1 cent per hour worked. At the 2017 Convention, a resolution was passed to raise the hourly contribution to 1 cent per hour worked to ensure the financial stability of the fund.

“We are proud of our members and their families that continue to advance their education” said General President Gregory T. Revard. “This scholarship and grant is an excellent way to preserve the legacy that General President Emeritus Bernard left and the two women in his life, Florence Bernard and Alta Miller, that he admired.”

On behalf of the entire Insulators Union, we wish the best to this year’s recipients and for their continued success in furthering their education. Thank you for being part of our family.

Congratulations to this year’s Florence Bernard and Alta Miller Scholarship and Grant winners:

 

Lauren Anderson, Daughter of John Anderson, Local 116, Halifax, NS

Lauren is continuing her education by attending Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She enjoys yoga, cooking and paddle boarding. She volunteers with Dal Insight Circle. Her last two years were spent working at an immigration law firm in Halifax. Congratulations Lauren and good luck!

 

Bryce Boyea, Son of, Scott Boyea, Local 34, Minneapolis, MN

Bryce is attending the University of Wisconsin in River Falls, studying for a degree in elementary education. His hobbies include reading, music, science and archery. He currently volunteers at the library and his local church, and is also a member of the Teachers Association. Best of luck, Bryce!

 

Kathryn Davern, Daughter of John Davern, Local 3, Cleveland, OH

Kathryn, known as Katie to her friends, is in eighth grade at GiGis Playhouse Cleveland in Lakewood. She loves to dance and swim. Katie is very social, active and always pays attention to her schoolwork. Way to go Katie! We wish you the best!

 

Kevin Davern, Son of John Davern, Local 3, Cleveland, OH

Kevin is attending Ohio University, majoring in business. He enjoys working out and physical fitness. Good luck, Kevin!

 

Jessie Dinh, Daughter of Hiep Dinh, Local 110, Edmonton, AB

Jessie graduated from high school with Graduated Honours with Distinction and was named Historian of the Class of 2021. She is attending the University of Calgary and studying for a BS in Mind Sciences in Kinesiology, which is the first step toward her goal of earning a doctorate. Jessie’s hobbies include journaling and calligraphy. She volunteers with Alberta Health Services at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. Congratulations, Jessie!

 

Kurt Drescher, Son of Southeast States Conference Regional Organizer Vince Drescher, Local 96, Savannah, GA

Kurt graduated high school with honors and is attending Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA to study cyber security. In his free time, he likes to box and play guitar. He recently completed an internship with the U.S. District Courts. Best of luck, Kurt!

 

Anna Ervin, Daughter of Aaron Ervin, Local 22, Houston, TX

Anna graduated high school and is attending Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, where she is studying nursing. She is currently a Certified Medical Assistant and enjoys spending time with family, playing with her pets and traveling. She volunteers with the Pilot Club, Catholic Daughters, CPS Gift Wrapping at Christmas, Downtown Merchants Association and with the Holy Cross Fall Festival. Congratulations Anna and best of luck!

 

Connor Fadeley, Son of Arthur Fadeley, Local 4, Buffalo, NY

Connor is attending SUNY University in Buffalo, studying computer science. At Erie Community College, he was on the Dean’s List, where he earned an Associate of Liberal Arts and Science degree in General Studies. His hobbies include football, basketball, video editing and digital art. Good luck, Connor!

 

Leandro Flores, Son of Luis Flores, Local 32, Newark, NJ

After earning his high school diploma last year, Leandro is attending the University of Delaware, studying civil engineering. He was on the fall semester Dean’s List and enjoys playing soccer. He volunteers with the Ecology Club Park Cleaning and thanks the Insulators Union for this opportunity to further his education. Congratulations Leandro!

 

Emma Fraley, Daughter of Donald Fraley, Local 90, Memphis, TN

Emma is studying nursing at Arkansas State University. She has earned a Basic Disaster Life Support Certification and enjoys tennis, traveling and shopping. Emma spends her free time volunteering with the NEA Food Pantry and is a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta, the Pre-Professionals Club and National Honor Society. Congratulations Emma, we wish you the best!

 

Ashlee Gotter, Daughter of Wade Gotter, Local 17, Chicago, IL

Ashlee earned her high school diploma in 2017 and now is studying cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College in Peru, Ill. Her hobbies include playing volleyball and teaching volleyball, as well as spending time in the water with family and friends. Congratulations Ashlee, and best of luck

 

John Heron, Son of Robert Heron, Local 14, Philadelphia, PA

John, known to his friends as Jack, is attending Rowan College of Burlington County in Mount Laurel, NJ where he is studying for a business degree. In his free time, he enjoys sports and music, and volunteers at St. Joan of Arc. Good luck, Jack!

 

Keith Kaiser, Son of Greg Kaiser, Local 8, Cincinnati, OH

Keith is attending The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, studying respiratory therapy. He enjoys traveling, volleyball and working out. Keith volunteers with the Red Cross Blood Drive and works as a Respiratory Tech at Grant Medical Center. Congratulations Keith!

 

Reese MacLeod, Daughter of Kenzie MacLeod, Local 95, Toronto, ON

Reese is studying humanities while attending McMaster University in Hamilton. She graduated high school as an Ontario Scholar. Her hobbies include Competitive Highland Dance. She is a member of the Schallieon Dancers. Reese enjoys painting and volunteering at St. Paul’s United Church and Cyber-Seniors. Congratulations and best of luck, Reese!

 

Brandon Magin, Son of James Magin, Local 14, Philadelphia, PA

Brandon is attending Wilmington University in New Castle, DE, studying game design and development. His hobbies include video games and music. Congratulations Brandon and best of luck while continuing your education!

 

Kyle Mason, Son of Al Mason, Local 84, Akron/Youngstown, OH

Kyle is studying professional and technical writing at Youngstown State University. Since 2013, he has volunteered with area churches on mission trips to states devastated by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados and floods. He is working as a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880, and excited to start his junior year of college this fall. Good luck, Kyle!

 

Maureen Robertson, Daughter of Stephen Robertson, Local 6, Boston, MA

Maureen graduated from high school this past spring and will be attending the University of Tampa this fall in Florida to study writing. She is a proud member of the National Honors Society and volunteers Lots of Paws in her spare time. She enjoys writing, acting and exploring. Congratulations Maureen!

 

Rachel Robinson, Daughter of Stanley Reames, Local 22, Houston, TX

Rachel is a Certified Nursing Assistant and is working to earn her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the College of the Mainland. She enjoys RV camping, spending time with her family and reading. Rachel volunteers with the Bayou Animal Services in her free time. Congratulations Rachel, best of luck!

 

Daria Scimeca, Daughter of Samuel Scimeca, Local 14, Philadelphia, PA

Daria is studying political science at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. Her hobbies include working out and crossfit. She also volunteers at a local nursing home and animal shelter. Congratulations Daria, we are so excited for your future!

 

Riley Spencer, Son of Michael Spencer, Local 116, Halifax, NS

Riley is attending Nova Scotia Community College at the Marconi Campus. His hobbies include hockey and fishing. He also volunteers with the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Riley is part of the Cape Breton County Minor Hockey team and graduated this past spring with honours from grade 12, receiving an academic diploma and an O2 certificate. Best of luck, Riley!

 

Shelbie Steward, Daughter of Frank Steward, Local 17, Chicago, IL

Shelbie is entering her second year at Northern Arizona University, where she is majoring in horticulture and Spanish. She loves to go hiking and play basketball with her friends, as well as gardening, reading and cooking. Shelbie volunteers with PADS and the Lazarus House and is a member of the Ball Horticultural Company. Best of luck, Shelbie!

 

Markis Thomas, Son of Michael Thomas, Local 36, Portland, OR

Markis is in seventh grade at Scapoose Middle School. He enjoys swimming, riding in the dunes at the beach, camping, theme parks and video games. Markis always has a smile on his face and is very charismatic, loving and fun. Congratulations, Markis, we wish you all the best!

 

Ari Wolkowitz, Son of Ayal Wolkowitz, Local 12, New York City, NY

Ari is in fourth grade and attends Bridge Prep Charter School in Staten Island where his favorite subjects are geography and math. Ari loves his brother and sister. He also enjoys playing Nintendo Switch, soccer, basketball and swimming. Ari loves playing fetch with his dog Ziva. Ari continues to find success since starting Bridge Prep Charter School and we are excited to see where this next year brings him. Best of luck, Ari!

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