On behalf of the Officers and members of the OPCMIA, we would like to extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes in pursuing your dreams. Reach for the STARS!
Each of the ten recipients were awarded $5,000.00 to further their educational goals.
Kelly Brown
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Kelly Brown pictured with her father, Eric Brown of local 9, Buffalo, NY. Kelly will be attending the University of Buffalo.
Hi, my name is Kelly Brown. My great grandpa, grandpa, and dad were all a part of Plasterers Local 9, and I am very grateful for the support OPCMIA has provided my family for the past three generations. I graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 2024 where I achieved high honors all four years and was named Valedictorian of my class. My extracurriculars include being captain of the soccer, bowling, and tennis teams. I started the tennis team at my school with a classmate of mine in my sophomore year due to my love for the sport. I am also president of the international club and have been a member of Student Government since I was a sophomore.
I plan to attend the University of Buffalo this fall. I will be studying business, specifically management. I decided to go into this field because of my grandfather who inspires me greatly and due to my desire to make a positive impact in the world through my work. My family is beyond supportive of me and fully encourages my dreams and future endeavors. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Due to the “Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund,” I can get the aid I need to attend the University of Buffalo which will allow me to focus solely on my education without the burden of heavy debt. I plan to use this scholarship to the fullest extent to maximize my success going forward.
Thank you to the OPCMIA for this scholarship and the opportunities that come with this honor.
I plan to attend the University of Buffalo this fall. I will be studying business, specifically management. I decided to go into this field because of my grandfather who inspires me greatly and due to my desire to make a positive impact in the world through my work. My family is beyond supportive of me and fully encourages my dreams and future endeavors. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Due to the “Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund,” I can get the aid I need to attend the University of Buffalo which will allow me to focus solely on my education without the burden of heavy debt. I plan to use this scholarship to the fullest extent to maximize my success going forward.
Thank you to the OPCMIA for this scholarship and the opportunities that come with this honor.
Evan Comer
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Evan Comer pictured with his father, Shaun Comer of local 555, Portland, OR. Evan is a student at Oregon State University.
My name is Evan Comer, proud son of Shaun Comer. My dad has been a member of Local Union 555, Portland OR for 20 years. He has shown me what it means to work hard and with integrity. He has set an example to help lead me as I graduated high school and began my college career. I attended Oregon City High School where I graduated in 2023 with a 4.34 GPA. During high school, I played soccer, held a job, was a part of the honor society and gave back to my community through various volunteer opportunities.
I am currently attending Oregon State University where I am a part of the honors program studying computer science with a specification in data science. I am also part of the Kappa Sigma fraternity where we are focused on the pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service.
I would like to thank the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund for their support and investing in my college education.
I am currently attending Oregon State University where I am a part of the honors program studying computer science with a specification in data science. I am also part of the Kappa Sigma fraternity where we are focused on the pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service.
I would like to thank the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund for their support and investing in my college education.
Theresa A. Ditri
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Theresa A. Ditri pictured with her father, Anthony Ditri of local 592, Philadelphia, PA. Theresa will be attending Gettysburg College.
I am Theresa Ditri, and I am the proud daughter of Anthony Ditri. My father has been an OPCMIA union plasterer for thirty-eight years and is a loyal member of the Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 592. From a very young age, my dad instilled in me the value of hard work. He works tirelessly and selflessly for everything he accomplishes, a truly inspiring characteristic. When he is not working, he passionately supports me and my family.
I will attend Gettysburg College this fall as an Abraham Lincoln Scholar to study international relations, with an interest in law, and run track. I recently graduated summa cum laude from William Tennent High School as the salutatorian, and I am honored to have been named a 2024 Kiwanis-Herald Scholar-Athlete as well. I was a four-year member and captain for the varsity soccer and track and field teams during my four years at Tennent. I belonged to the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Government, and Athletic Council. In addition, I was the president of both the Madrigals Select Choir and the Student Advisory Committee.
Throughout all my endeavors, my dad has made it a point to attend all my games, meets, concerts, and induction ceremonies, for which I am endlessly grateful. I can never thank him enough for all he has done for me or express how much OPCMIA has benefited me and my family. I want to thank the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund for awarding me this scholarship and helping me continue my path to higher education.
I will attend Gettysburg College this fall as an Abraham Lincoln Scholar to study international relations, with an interest in law, and run track. I recently graduated summa cum laude from William Tennent High School as the salutatorian, and I am honored to have been named a 2024 Kiwanis-Herald Scholar-Athlete as well. I was a four-year member and captain for the varsity soccer and track and field teams during my four years at Tennent. I belonged to the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Government, and Athletic Council. In addition, I was the president of both the Madrigals Select Choir and the Student Advisory Committee.
Throughout all my endeavors, my dad has made it a point to attend all my games, meets, concerts, and induction ceremonies, for which I am endlessly grateful. I can never thank him enough for all he has done for me or express how much OPCMIA has benefited me and my family. I want to thank the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund for awarding me this scholarship and helping me continue my path to higher education.
Olivia Gordon
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Olivia Gordon pictured with her father, Chad Gordon of local 633, Minneapolis, MN. Olivia will be attending St. Catherine University.
Hi! My name is Olivia Gordon, and I am graduating from St. Croix Central High School in Hammond, WI. I love to dance and have been doing so for the past 16 years! In the Fall, I will be attending St. Catherine University! I will be majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish. I’ll also be on the Pre-Physician Assistant track.
By being the recipient of this grant, it will help me achieve my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant. Thank you so much!
By being the recipient of this grant, it will help me achieve my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant. Thank you so much!
Laura Hendry
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Laura Hendry pictured with her father, Scott Hendry, local 592, Philadelphia, PA. Laura will be attending Penn State University.
My name is Laura Hendry. I am 18 years old and from Delaware County PA. My father, Scott Hendry, has been a proud member of local 592 for twenty-one years this June. I am a graduate of the class of 2024 from Ridley High School. While attending Ridley High School I was involved in a total of six drama productions and attended two PA state conferences as a member of the International Thespian Society Troupe #2103. I was also a member of the History Club receiving an honorable mention for my essay on how tourism of historical sites can be detrimental for the environment at the Chester National History Day Competition. Some other accomplishments I have achieved while in school included member of the National Honor Society, member of the International French Honor Society and school ambassador. I am an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual parish, working as a sacrastin as well as a receptionist.
This fall I will be attending Penn State University at University Park, for Environmental Engineering. My eventual goal is to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, keeping work sites and communities environmentally safe. I am very thankful for this award and will be putting it towards my education. OPCMIA has done so much for my family over the years, and I am very grateful.
This fall I will be attending Penn State University at University Park, for Environmental Engineering. My eventual goal is to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, keeping work sites and communities environmentally safe. I am very thankful for this award and will be putting it towards my education. OPCMIA has done so much for my family over the years, and I am very grateful.
Cameron Nails
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Cameron Nails pictured with his father, William Nails of local 526, Pittsburgh, PA. Cameron will be attending Baldwin Wallace University.
Hello, my name is Cameron Nails, and I am from Lakewood, Ohio. I am the proud son of Billy Nails who has been a proud member of Local 526 for over 35 years. I just graduated with High Honors from St. Edward High School. During my time at St. Edward, I volunteered at the local Office of Aging, churches, and actively participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Also, during my time at St. Edward, we won 3 D1 State Football Championships. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of my family. My dad has been a prime example of a hardworking man, and I would not be where I am at this time if it wasn’t for him. I will be attending Baldwin Wallace University in the fall, where I will be majoring in Criminal Justice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank OPCMIA for all the support they have given. I have said before “to some people the OPCMIA is a job, but to me it is family”. It is a huge honor and privilege to be a recipient of the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank OPCMIA for all the support they have given. I have said before “to some people the OPCMIA is a job, but to me it is family”. It is a huge honor and privilege to be a recipient of the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship.
Madelyn Pelle
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Madelyn Pelle pictured with her father, Gregory Pelle, local 500, Corona, CA. Madelyn will be attending San Diego State University.
Thank you to the OPCMIA for selecting me as a recipient of the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship, it is such a wonderful honor! The OPCMIA has played a vital role in my family life. My dad, Greg Pelle, has been a proud member of Cement Masons Local 500 for 30 years and my grandpa was also a Local 500 member.
I have chosen to attend San Diego State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice. I will be the first person on my dad’s side of the family to attend a four-year university. Once I achieve that goal I would like to work for the FBI as a profiler or attend law school and then become a prosecuting attorney. I have always wanted a career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives.
In high school I challenged myself to maintain a high GPA each year. I was selected as a student leader for Keith Hawkins Kindness Week and was honored with the Espirit de Wolverine award for mathematics as a sophomore. I volunteer at several events in the community each year. In my junior year I was a co-founder of, and am now the co-president of, a campus club that works to help homeless pets. We package donated pet food for distribution to rescues and spend time walking, playing with and socializing dogs and cats at a local rescue. This year our club arranged to have therapy dogs on campus during finals/AP testing to help ease stress for students during a busy time of year. It was a big hit!
Another accomplishment that I am proud of is being a four-year varsity member on my high school dance team. I love to dance, and it is a great outlet for me to express my creativity. We had the opportunity to compete at Disney World in 2023, which was such a wonderful experience!
I have worked hard all through high school to fulfill my dream of attending a great university and grab hold of all the opportunities I know I will find there. Thank you again for this award. I know the life lessons and values my dad has passed on to me, such as the importance of family, hard work, determination, kindness, and teamwork will serve me well as I move forward to my next adventure.
I have chosen to attend San Diego State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice. I will be the first person on my dad’s side of the family to attend a four-year university. Once I achieve that goal I would like to work for the FBI as a profiler or attend law school and then become a prosecuting attorney. I have always wanted a career where I could make a positive difference in people’s lives.
In high school I challenged myself to maintain a high GPA each year. I was selected as a student leader for Keith Hawkins Kindness Week and was honored with the Espirit de Wolverine award for mathematics as a sophomore. I volunteer at several events in the community each year. In my junior year I was a co-founder of, and am now the co-president of, a campus club that works to help homeless pets. We package donated pet food for distribution to rescues and spend time walking, playing with and socializing dogs and cats at a local rescue. This year our club arranged to have therapy dogs on campus during finals/AP testing to help ease stress for students during a busy time of year. It was a big hit!
Another accomplishment that I am proud of is being a four-year varsity member on my high school dance team. I love to dance, and it is a great outlet for me to express my creativity. We had the opportunity to compete at Disney World in 2023, which was such a wonderful experience!
I have worked hard all through high school to fulfill my dream of attending a great university and grab hold of all the opportunities I know I will find there. Thank you again for this award. I know the life lessons and values my dad has passed on to me, such as the importance of family, hard work, determination, kindness, and teamwork will serve me well as I move forward to my next adventure.
Ali Schroeder
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Ali Schroeder pictured with her father, Seth Schroeder of local 265, Minneapolis, MN. Ali is a student at the University of St. Thomas.
My name is Ali Schroeder and I just completed my second year at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. I’m studying Psychology with minors in Family Studies and Business. My dad has been a member of Local 265 for 23 years. Above all else, my dad has always been in support of my education and pushed me to academic excellence.
I’m so thankful that my hard work has paid off, and that this scholarship will aid in financing my continued education at the University of St. Thomas.
I’m so thankful that my hard work has paid off, and that this scholarship will aid in financing my continued education at the University of St. Thomas.
Halle E. Underwood
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Halle E. Underwood pictured with her father, Hal William Underwood of local 692, Indiana. Halle will be attending Franklin College.
Hello! My name is Halle Underwood, and I am from Indiana! I recently graduated high school as the valedictorian of my class. Throughout high school I was the National Honor Society secretary, treasurer of the Student Council, wrestling team manager, and member of other various clubs. I will be attending Franklin College in the fall to study exercise science. The end goal is to obtain my doctorate in occupational therapy.
For the past 17 years, my father, Hal Underwood, has been a member of Local 692 in Indianapolis. Additionally, my older brother also joined the union and has been a member for five years so far.
I would like to thank OPCMIA for choosing me as a recipient of the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship this year! The OPCMIA has always been a huge part of my family’s life, and I am so appreciative to be given this opportunity. It has put me one step closer to having my tuition for all four years covered.
For the past 17 years, my father, Hal Underwood, has been a member of Local 692 in Indianapolis. Additionally, my older brother also joined the union and has been a member for five years so far.
I would like to thank OPCMIA for choosing me as a recipient of the Patrick D. Finley Scholarship this year! The OPCMIA has always been a huge part of my family’s life, and I am so appreciative to be given this opportunity. It has put me one step closer to having my tuition for all four years covered.
Julian Raya Vargas
OPCMIA Scholarship winner Julian Raya Vargas pictured with his father, Israel Raya Vargas of local 300, Northern, CA. Julian will be attending Sonoma State University.
Hello, my name is Julian Raya Vargas, and I am the proud son of Israel Raya Vargas, my father has been a member of the local 66/300 for 22 plus years. His hard work and dedication to his craft of plastering have shown and taught me to also be motivated and ambitious towards my goals. I am a 2024 graduate of Roseland University Prep and will be attending Sonoma State University as a freshman for the incoming fall semester. I am quite involved with extracurricular activities that involve social justice with a focus on school and community safety, tutoring at my local elementary school, treasurer for our school engineering club, and a student-athlete on the high school men’s varsity basketball team.
I am currently studying introductions to coding languages such as Python and JavaScript to further my knowledge in the growing field. I believe the innovation and growing workforce in the software industry will allow various fields of work including the plastering industry to allow workers to work much more efficiently in software applications.
I would like to express my gratitude to the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley scholarship fund for offering me this aid for my post-secondary studies, your generosity and support for my education mean so much to me, bringing me closer to achieving my career goal of becoming a software developer.
I am currently studying introductions to coding languages such as Python and JavaScript to further my knowledge in the growing field. I believe the innovation and growing workforce in the software industry will allow various fields of work including the plastering industry to allow workers to work much more efficiently in software applications.
I would like to express my gratitude to the OPCMIA Patrick D. Finley scholarship fund for offering me this aid for my post-secondary studies, your generosity and support for my education mean so much to me, bringing me closer to achieving my career goal of becoming a software developer.
