(Newtown, CT- 10/29/21 ) For the fifth consecutive year, Fine Homebuilding has awarded scholarships to support those pursuing careers in the trades through its #KeepCraftAlive program. In partnership with SkillsUSA, and with the support of partners Pella and Feeney, eleven students have been awarded nearly $30,000 in financial support for the 2021 academic year.
#KeepCraftAlive scholarships are offered to high school or college/postsecondary students continuing their education or certification programs in construction-related fields, such as architectural drafting, carpentry, cabinetmaking, electrical and residential wiring, HVAC, masonry, woodworking or plumbing.
Those in the trade community who embody the spirit of #KeepCraftAlive continue to help shepherd the KeepCraftAlive movement forward. Together, Fine Homebuilding and it’s community of designers, builders, remodelers and craftspeople are bolstering the narrative around what it means to work in the construction industry and providing pathways for the next generation to realize their passion building better homes in the best way possible. Support the #KeepCraftAlive class of 2022 by making a donation here.
#KeepCraftAlive Class of 2021
Benjamin Shook studied carpentry at Davies High School in Fargo N.D.
Teacher Testimonial: “Ben has taken the lead as one of the top students in the [carpentry] class.” – Ron Streit, Instructor of Construction Trades at Davies High School
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Rigoberto “Rigo” Aguilar is studying electrical construction wiring at Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center in Garland, Texas.
Teacher Testimonial: “Rigo has exceptional technical skills. He is a very fast learner and works with the NEC code in mind at all times.”- Instructor
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Francisco Santoyo studied carpentry at Montecito High School in Ramona, Calif.
Teacher Testimonial: “Francisco is one of our highest achieving students. Additionally, with his newly learned skills, he was able to help build a home for the Wounded Warrior Project where he saw that his skills not only enabled him to know how to build the house but also provide a home for a homeless veteran. Lastly, when Francisco recently competed in the state SkillsUSA competition, he won the Gold [medal] for carpentry.” – Pauline Leavitt, Principal of Montecito High School
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Philip Lepore studied engineering at Morris Knolls High School in Denville, N.J.
Teacher Testimonial: “Philip continually goes above and beyond all while successfully balancing many different projects, jobs and activities. Helping comes as a second nature to him and he’s always happy to do something to help those around him.”- Marry Miraldi, Instructor of Technology Education at Morris Knolls High School
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Ryan Daly studied carpentry at Stratford High School in Houston, Texas.
Teacher Testimonial: “Whether it is in the classroom or on the baseball field, Ryan Daly has proven himself to be a dedicated leader — and successful entrepreneur.” – Patricia Lynn Hollister, Stratford High School Counselor
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Dakota McDaniel studied carpentry at Cullman Area Technical Academy (CATA) in Cullman, Ala.
Teacher Testimonial: “Dakota embodies all three of the skills outlined in all three areas of the SkillsUSA Framework. He has tremendous technical abilities, great work ethic and amazing personal skills. He is totally committed to obtaining his degree and making a career in construction management. He will one day make a great employee.” – Mike Burkett, Instructor of Carpentry/Construction at CATA
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Annayeli Dionisio was a masonry student at Columbus Career and College Academy in
Columbus, Ohio.
Teacher Testimonial: “Annayeli was recently named Employable Pride Student of the Month at school. She was also named the county CTE Student of the Month. She’s a huge inspiration to our school and the masonry program.”- Fred Mason, Columbus Career and College Academy
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Joshua Costello is studying carpentry at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
Teacher Testimonial: “Joshua’s desire to become a woodworker is evident in everything he does. While in high school, he competed in SkillsUSA and placed first at the state level. He then went on to nationals and placed third (2017). He is an outstanding individual.” – Kellan Baird, Associate Professor of Cabinetmaking and Architectural Woodworking at Utah State University
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Brandon Stephens is studying carpentry at Simpson County Technical Center in Mendenhall, Mo.
Teacher Testimonial:“Brandon’s attendance, diligence and positive attitude excels far beyond any student in my classes.” – Maurice Bryant, Instructor of carpentry and construction at Simpson County Technical Center
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Cristian Veloso is studying construction management at Savannah Technical College in Savannah, Ga.
Teacher Testimonial: “Cristian was voted the one of the best students in the Construction Management program at this year’s SkillsUSA State Conference and won a SkillsUSA Georgia gold medal in Occupational Safety and Health. Cristian has shown a high level of maturity and is respectful to his peers. He is also a great team player who not only takes pride in his work, but also takes his work seriously.” – Daniel Krautheimer, Dean of Industrial Studies at Savannah Technical College
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Cooper Waddell studies carpentry and engineering at Ben Barber Innovation Academy at Mansfield Legacy High School in Mansfield, Texas.
Teacher Testimonial: “Cooper has a passion for construction design and engineering. Evident in projects we collaborated on, as he willingly voiced his contributions supported with a personal flair, style and experiences. He has natural leadership abilities and skills which contribute to his inclusive, productive teamwork abilities.” – Gene Schram
