During the 2024 PCCA Convention in March, the PCCA Education & Research Foundation announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 PCCA scholarships, each receiving $10,000 toward their higher education: Dawson Hudson, Greenwood, S.C.; Samuel Tholen, Bristol, Ill; Connor Keenan, Waunakee, Wis.; and Avery Pillaro, Lowell, Ark.
The foundation also announced the recipients of the “Who Will Do the Work?” scholarships: Cassius Mitchell, Macon, Mo.; Oliver Midyett, Salem, Mo.; and Grant Harper, Clinton, Mo. Each will receive a $1,000 award toward their academic pursuits at the State Technical College of Missouri.
$10,000 PCCA Scholarship Recipients
Dawson Hudson, Greenwood, S.C., PCCA Affiliation: ElectriCom
Dawson, a 2023 Greenwood High School graduate, was greatly influenced to pursue a career in the industry by his father. “In my dad’s job at ElectriCom, he works on projects throughout the state we live in and others across the southeast that are providing high-speed internet service to families and businesses. Over the past few years, the pandemic has shown us that this is not a luxury but a necessary tool that everyone needs. We had to attend school virtually, my parents worked virtually sometimes, and we even attended doctors’ appointments virtually and church. Some people in our community did not have access to the internet speed to be able to do all those things, and I am very proud that the work my dad is doing is helping to bridge that gap for our community.”
This upbringing provided him with a strong foundation and inspiration to pursue his studies in Civil Engineering at Clemson University, where he looks forward to exploring dif- ferent career paths and finding his place in the industry.
Samuel Tholen, Bristol, Ill., PCCA Affiliation: TT Technologies
Samuel, a 4.81 GPA graduate of Yorkville High School, is cur- rently majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. A firm believer in the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared,” Dawson sees higher education as a pathway to financial stability.
He chose the University of Kentucky for its engineering and honors programs, which emphasize the development of critical thinking skills: “It is one’s ability to be creative and solve complex problems that will accelerate their success.”
Connor P. Keenan, Waunakee, Wis., PCCA Affiliation: Mears Group
Connor graduated from Waunakee Community High School in 2021 with a GPA of 3.97 and is now a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Involved in the Baja SAE club, a group of students who design, manufacture, and race a Baja-style car in the SAE Collegiate Design Series, Connor values collaborative learning and practical application of engineering concepts, aiming to leverage his education for personal growth and societal impact.
“In essence, my journey toward higher education is driven by a commitment to continuous learning, a passion for innovation, and a belief in the transformative power of education to shape a better future. I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that higher education offers, aspiring to be a catalyst for positive change in the world.”
Avery Pillaro, Rodgers, Ark., PCCA Affiliation: Pre- formed Line Products
Avery graduated from Rog- ers High School with a GPA of 3.9, and she now attends the University of Arkansas, where she majors in Business Management. Her primary motivations for higher education are to achieve financial independence, “providing for not only myself but giving back to my parents that have given me so much in order for me to thrive.”
“Who Will Do the Work?” Scholarship Recipients
Cassius C Mitchell, Macon, Mo.
Following his graduation from Macon R-1 High School, where he achieved a 3.8 GPA, Cassius chose to pursue an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Utility Systems at the State Technical College of Missouri. Balancing the challenges of college life, he works on weekends to support himself, achieve a well-rounded education experience, and prepare for a successful career.
Oliver Midyett, Salem, Mo.
Oliver, a 2023 graduate of Salem R-80. achieved a 3.8 GPA during his high school academic career. He is currently studying Utilities Technology at the State Technical College of Missouri. Oliver is a firm believer that “completing my degree in higher educa- tion allows me more opportunities in the future when it comes to career choices.”
Grant A Harper, Clinton, Mo.
Grant achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0 while attending Leeton High School. He is currently studying at the State Technical College of Missouri, majoring in Applied Science. He is additionally enrolled in the Utility Technician Systems program.