The Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund, continues to provide educational opportunities for the sons and daughters of the OPCMIA! Each year eight grants are awarded, one for each successful candidate for his/her education. Winners are selected based upon the student’s non-weighted GPA reported on an official high school or college transcript and an essay on the importance of the OPCMIA on the applicant’s family. The scholarship may be used for any field of study by undergraduate students.
Paige Drabant
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Paige L. Drabant pictured with her father, Chris Drabant, a member of Local Union 527, St. Louis, Missouri. Paige plans to attend Southern Missouri State University in the fall.
I will be attending Southeast Missouri State this coming fall majoring in nursing. I plan to become a nurse practitioner in pediatrics.
I am extremely thankful for being selected to receive this scholarship.
Daniel Kennedy
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Daniel J. Kennedy pictured with his father, Dan Kennedy, a member of Local Union 109, Akron, Ohio. Daniel plans to attend The University of Akron in the fall.
I will be attending The University of Akron this fall to major in Civil Engineering. In the long-term, I plan to use my leadership skills to further my education and use my work experience to become a Professional Engineer. Lastly, it is my goal to use my passion for innovation to develop more cost effective and higher performing infrastructure through innovation and design to shape and impact the world.
In conclusion, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund Committee, General President Daniel Stepano, and General Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Sexton for being selected to receive the OPCMIA Scholarship. This scholarship allows me to pursue my goal of obtaining a Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron while also removing some of the financial barriers for my family and me.
Raquel Cortez
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Raquel Cortez pictured with her father, Hector Cortez, a member of Local Union 400, Sacramento, California. Raquel plans to attend The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in the fall.
I am the 4th born child to attend a university as I pursue and obtain my bachelor’s degree. My parents have always taught us the value of working hard towards higher education, therefore my siblings are all college graduates in their respective fields. My family has been very supportive and a huge impact in my studies. I cannot wait to continue my education at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa to study in their nursing program.
I will forever be thankful for all the support I have from my loved ones around me. I am especially thankful for my parents, all the officers and members of the OPCMIA and the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund! This scholarship will help me fulfill my dreams in hopes for a successful path in the future.
Thank you.
Elena Coral
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Elena Coral pictured with her father, Juan Carlos Coral, a member of Local Union 400, Sacramento, California. Elena plans to attend The University of California, Davis in the fall.
Being a full-time student, part time worker and full-time sister, it brings a lot of challenges to my life, but it is okay do not ever give up! I worked at a pizza place, and I currently work at Target. In between these circumstances I would go to soccer games and practices. Then I would take care of my brother and myself. It was a lot of work, but I never underestimated my abilities when it came to my family and me.
When I applied to college back in August and September, never in my dreams would I have thought to be accepted to my number 1 school! I got into my top school, which was the University of California, Davis. I was so ecstatic, and I already knew exactly which college I wanted to attend. Throughout the years it was full of blood, sweat, tears and multiple sacrifices to get to where I am.
I am so grateful for the things that I have and what my dad has provided for me. I realized I worked extremely hard to get where I am at. There was perseverance and I had no fear of getting what I wanted. One thing that I learned the past four years, is to have some fire, be unstoppable, be a force of nature.
Jazmyn Baldwin
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Jazmyn Baldwin pictured with her father, Abel Baldwin, a member of Local Union 518, Kansas City, Missouri. Jazmyn plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology in the fall.
In the fall I will be attending Missouri University of Science and Technology, where I will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish. I want to work on the advancement and construction of prosthetic and artificial organs when I enter the workforce.
I am extremely grateful for receiving this scholarship, and I cannot thank the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund enough!
Hailey Senderak
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Hailey Senderak pictured with her father, Gregory Senderak, a member of Local Union 109, Akron, Ohio. Hailey plans to attend Kent State University at Stark in the fall.
Thank you again for choosing me to receive a scholarship. I cannot tell you how big of a difference it will make. I appreciate all you have done for me and my family.
Hailey Shaw
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Hailey Shaw pictured with her father, Rustin Shaw, a member of Local Union 11, Northern Illinois. Hailey plans to attend The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall.
Throughout my high school years, I was a part of various clubs such as ambassadors, which I lead; I was part of National Honor Society, and I also participated in softball and tennis all four years of high school. I was the president of my choir, which I was a part of all four years as well. I have volunteered over 70 hours throughout my high school years. After finishing high school with a 3.975 GPA and 19th in my class, I will be attending The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a major in social work.
None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for my dad. He has taught me hard work and determination does pay off. My Dad, Rustin Shaw is a member of Local 11, based in Lake County, Illinois. He has also been part of the OPCMIA for 32 years, which my family and I will be forever grateful for, as this Union has provided many opportunities for all of us. I would again like to thank the OPCMIA so much for this scholarship that will help me as I further my education.
Kristina Poliseri
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Kristina Poliseri pictured with her father, Peter Poliseri, a member of Local Union 300, Oakland, California. Kristina attends California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California.
Throughout her first year in San Luis Obispo, she was an active member of the Women in Construction Club. She plans to pick up a minor in Heavy Civil Engineering in her sophomore year.
