In the fall of 2022, the OCA Advancement Foundation approved funds to launch a scholarship program specifically designed to help OCA member companies who want to sponsor a recent high school graduate for involvement in the industry.
To-date, 13 OCA member firms have sponsored 18 candidates, each of whom has received an OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
OCA introduced the first three recipients in the September-October 2023 issue of Ohio Contractor:
- Austin Hammock, sponsored by Jack Ford Construction Consulting
- Jacob Hermann, sponsored by J. D. Williamson Construction Co.
- Colbrin Miley, sponsored by Miller Bros. Const. Inc.
OCA is pleased to share which OCA Member firms have chosen to invite a young person(s) to explore our industry – and why – and to touch on what resonates with these young candidates about the industry.
Kenneth “Kenny” Randlett is a 2024 graduate of Mahoning County Career Technical Center in Canfield. He is receiving on-the-job training from his sponsor Barbicas Construction Co. Inc.
Marvilla Miller, of Barbicas Construction Co. Inc., tells us: “Kenny has displayed a strong work ethic that is next to few of his age group. He comes from a hardworking family, many of whom have worked in the industry. Kenny attended the high school vocational program, knowing that he did not want to attend college. Kenny started with us in the summers between his junior and senior year. He remains with us doing a great job and learning the trade.”
According to Kenny, “My family members were all in the trades, and I like to be outside. The people here (Barbicas Construction) are all very good to me. They make tasks make sense and have no problem telling me how to do the job right. Kyle Miller is my foreman and has taught me from the beginning; he has helped me progress faster than I thought I could have.”
Camden White is studying Building Trades at Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown. He is scheduled to graduate in 2025.
Valas Winters, of Barbicas Construction Co. Inc., who sponsored Camden, shared that, “Cam has helped me work at our rentals and at my house when he was younger. He has a great work ethic. Cam is currently in the trades program at Portage Lakes Career Center (Green Schools). We hired Cam at the beginning of this summer in between his junior/senior year.”
Camden tells OCA, “I am currently working for Barbicas Construction Co. Inc., where I enjoy the fast-paced environment and the opportunities that come with it. I plan to continue here and work my way up in the industry. I am inspired by my sponsor, Valas Winters, who has shown me what working hard gets you, and that dedication and grit will get you far in life.”
Landri Jett graduated from Chippewa High in Doylestown. She expects to complete an apprenticeship at Local 18 in July of 2028.
Landri’s sponsor, Amy Fitch, of Black Horse Bridge Construction, tells us, “Landri Jett is a remarkable young woman who demonstrates great drive and initiative in aspiring to follow in her father’s (Black Horse Bridge Construction employee Dave Jett) footsteps and join the trades. Landri is a recent high school graduate and is in the process of completing her training to join the Operator’s Union. Black Horse Bridge admires Landri’s love for construction and has committed to sponsoring her through the apprenticeship program. We look forward to watching her growth in this industry and think she would be a fantastic candidate for this scholarship.”
Landri shares, “Dave Jett is my father, and he is the person I look up to the most. He has a strong work ethic, and I would like to follow in his footsteps. Growing up, my dad always brought home heavy equipment, and I always enjoyed running the equipment with him.”
Adam Kremer is a 2024 graduate of Versailles High School in Versailles. Adam has begun studying civil engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
According to Joe Raterman, of Brumbaugh Construction Inc., who sponsored Adam, “We hired Adam for the summer of 2024. Adam is a new civil engineering student at the University of Cincinnati and was looking to get some field experience this summer. With a goal of heavy/highway design after graduation, I thought it would be a great experience for Adam to see the projects from the other side of the print! Adam has been a very dependable, hardworking and pleasant young man to work with.”
Adam shares, “I have chosen to pursue a career in the heavy/highway construction industry due to its essential role in developing and maintaining infrastructure. The industry’s dynamic nature, marked by technological advancements and sustainable practices presents ongoing challenges that resonate with my problem-solving skills and desire for continuous learning.”
Andrew Thomas, a 2024 graduate of Medina High School in Medina, is just beginning his education at Western Michigan University.
Nick DiGeronimo, of Independence Excavating Inc., said he “was pleased to sponsor Andrew due to the strong family commitment; Andrew’s parents both work for Independence Excavating Inc.!”
Andrew tells us, “I have grown up around the industry as my family has been heavily involved as long as I can remember. I enjoy the variety that construction offers, every day is different and each offers a new challenge for me to pursue and take head on. I am a hardworking individual and work well with others, and I want to see the job get done well. I plan to return to Ohio to start in the industry and hopefully stay through my career. Colleen Loredo (Independence Excavating) is someone I look up to in the industry. She is someone I have been around before who wants to see a difference made, but also wants a job well done.”
Ryan Ventura, a 2024 graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, will be studying at Miami University.
Rob DiGeronimo, of Independence Excavating Inc., Ryan’s sponsor for this scholarship, shared, “Ryan is a highly motivated young man who strives to better himself daily and who holds himself to a high standard. Ryan is currently working in our shop, and we look forward to having him with us in the summers to come, as he has proven to be a good hand.”
According to Ryan, “My stepfather Justin King (Independence Excavating) inspires me every day. I have learned so much from him regarding all the many different career positions in the industry; I can see myself working on the business side of the industry one day. My goal is to be accepted into the Farmer School of Business at Miami University after my first year there, and to pursue a higher understanding of business so I can apply it towards a future career on the business side of the construction industry.”
Jonah Hutchins graduated from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, and recently began studying construction management at the University of Cincinnati; he anticipates graduating in 2028.
Jackie Alf, of John R. Jurgensen Co., who sponsored Jonah, reports: “Jonah has excelled in his position as Project Management Co-Op with our company, showing dedication, intelligence and professionalism. Jonah’s communication skills and adaptability have been beneficial to the team. He collaborates well with others and has been successful in completing assigned projects and tasks. Jonah’s commitment to continue learning is apparent. He takes advantage of educational opportunities and looks for ways to continue growing as a professional.
Jonah tells us, “I have worked in the construction industry since I was 13 years-old and have always enjoyed watching projects grow. I participated in the OCA Estimating Competition in Columbus and became increasingly fascinated with the heavy/civil side of the industry in which I plan to work. I am currently employed at Jurgensen as an intern and hope to stay with them following graduation. Mike Ostendorf (John R. Jurgensen Co.) has become an amazing mentor and teacher during my time with Jurgensen. He has shown me how much this industry has to offer.”
Brandon Swartz is a graduate of Middletown High School in Middletown and is currently completing his IUOE Local 10 training and apprenticeship.
Tyler Holden, of KT Holden Construction, sponsored Brandon for this scholarship, and tells us, “Brandon is a great example of the next generation of construction. His father is an operator for us, and his grandfather is a general superintendent for us. Brandon has a bright future in the industry and wants to grow within the company.”
According to Brandon, “I have chosen this career path to become the fourth-generation heavy/highway worker in my family. Highway work is appealing to me because I love working outside and being able to see a job done correctly from start to finish. Two people in the industry inspire me – my father and my grandfather – who both work for KT Holden Construction. They have both pursued their careers to the max and have been the best heavy equipment operators they can be. I will be the next in the family to pursue my career as a heavy equipment operator.”
A 2024 graduate of Archbold High School in Archbold, Jack Hurst will be pursuing his higher education in construction systems management at The Ohio State University.
Brad Miller, of Miller Bros. Const. Inc., who sponsored Jack, tells us, “Jack Hurst is the son of our vice president of Public Work (Roadway and Bridge) Jeremy Hurst. Jeremy is a key member of our executive management team and has worked for MBC for 24 years. Jack is a hardworking young man who was active in sports and student government in high school. He has chosen to study construction management at The Ohio State University, and we would love to have him become part of our team.”
Jack explained, “I have chosen to join the heavy/highway construction industry because I have been surrounded by it my entire life. My father, Jeremy Hurst (Miller Bros. Const.) is in the industry. Growing up, traveling to jobsites with my dad was something I always looked forward to. Seeing how well my dad works with others while sticking to his values is something I hope to achieve one day. He is very respected throughout the industry and has truly worked very hard for everything he has received. He has taught me many lessons throughout my life, and I know that I will be well prepared to work with him one day. After I complete my education, I hope to return home and work at Miller Bros. Const. Inc.”
Milo Marshall graduated from Holmes High School in Alexandria, Ky., and is pursuing training with his sponsoring OCA Member Firm Prus Construction Company in Cincinnati.
Jason Harvey, of Prus Construction Co., serves as Milo’s sponsor. Harvey tells us, “Milo Marshall is a standout recent graduate from Holmes High School. He comes to us highly recommended by his teacher. Milo has a strong interest in the industry and a promising future ahead.”
Milo tells us, “I was inspired by my carpentry teacher at Holmes High School. We both grew up in Covington, Ky., and through her, I saw if you work hard enough, you can achieve your goals and get what you want in life. I have chosen the heavy/highway construction industry as a place to further the four years of carpentry training I completed at Holmes High School. My goal is to be an operator/foreman. I am interested to see how people enjoy things I build or have a part in building.”
Leyla Ann Cline just started her training in Agriculture and Heavy Equipment at Eastland Career Center in Groveport. She anticipates she will complete that training in May 2026.
Pete Kinzer, of Shelly & Sands Inc., is Leyla Ann’s sponsor and shares a backstory to this sponsorship. “Vikki Hoover has been an equipment operator for Shelly & Sands since 1998 and she plans to retire in a few years. Vikki has a standing agreement with her granddaughter, Leyla Ann Cline, that she will not retire until Leyla Ann becomes an operator with us and replaces her grandmother! S&S was thrilled to receive news of the OCA Legacy Scholarship because Vikki Hoover has been such a dedicated employee and asset to our company. We were even more excited to learn that, with our sponsorship, Leyla Ann qualified as a candidate for the scholarship and could use the award to help pay for school and work-related items.”
According to Leyla Ann, “I come from a long line of heavy equipment operators. Several of my family members are in construction, whether it be operators or laborers, and I look forward to carrying on the tradition. My grandma, Vikki Hoover (Shelly & Sands), has been a heavy equipment operator since she was in her 20s. She inspires me because I can tell she genuinely loves her job and that it allows her to take care of her family. I also find it cool that she is leaving her mark by helping build Ohio’s roadways. I hope to be able to go out and work for Shelly & Sands with my grandma before she retires.”
Tyler Howe is a 2024 graduate of Brookfield High School in Brookfield and has started his training at the International Laborers Union 395 in Warren.
Pete Kinzer, of Shelly & Sands Inc., sponsored Tyler because, “Tina Howe-Day is a heavy equipment operator who has worked for Shelly & Sands in the Akron/Youngstown area for the past 12 years. She has worked on several crews, but her daily activities focus primarily on asphalt paving in northeast Ohio. She is a loyal and dedicated employee, and we appreciate her contributions and dedication to the company. Tina has a son, Tyler Howe, who is pursuing long-term employment as a laborer with Shelly & Sands. We are proud to see Tyler follow his mother’s lead in becoming a member of the S&S family and the future of the construction industry!”
Tyler chose the industry, saying, “I like to be outside working. My mother, Tina Howe-Day, is a union operator for Shelly & Sands. She has a good career as an operator at Shelly & Sands and works hard in a field dominated by men. I think the industry will be a good place for me to build my career, hopefully working my way up to become a foreman and run a crew.”
Kaleb Weideman is a 2024 graduate from Towpath Trail High School, in Akron, and has begun his on-the-job training as a laborer journeyman for Shelly & Sands Inc.
Pete Kinzer, of Shelly & Sands Inc., tells us, “Crystal Abbott (Akron) stopped by our field office in 2016 inquiring about a position with Shelly & Sands. We hired her as a laborer apprentice, and she has worked her way up to a field management position where she currently serves as a project foreman and oversees a crew! Crystal’s son, Kaleb Weideman, graduated from high school last year and is now working as a laborer journeyman for Shelly & Sands. He continues to grow and take classes offered through the local union hall just like his mom did just a few years ago.”
Kaleb says he “chose a career in heavy/highway construction because I love working with my hands. Damien Hunt (Shelly & Sands) is an inspiration to me due to his precise work and commitment to getting the job done right. I enjoy learning how highways are built and function, as well as learning about the design process! It makes me feel like I’ve had a better workday when I’m up, moving around and working on something large … and outside!”
Carter Blakeway is continuing his education at Clark State College in Springfield, where he is seeking a BS transfer degree.
John Strawser, of Strawser Paving Co., sponsored Carter for this scholarship and tells us, “Carter has been working with our engineers as a surveyor’s helper. He seems very interested in learning about the road construction industry.”
Carter tells us, “My grandpa, my dad and my uncle are all in the industry. I’ve seen that it’s hard work but it’s also rewarding and satisfying work that can support a family – which I hope to have someday. I’ve always done well in math and the sciences, and I would like to pursue a degree in civil engineering. During college I’d like to work in the field during the summers so I can learn all parts of the process/business. I enjoy working hard and I don’t like to let people down. After completing my education, I would like to use my civil engineering degree and hands-on experience to secure a full-time job in the industry.”
Shea Keniray attended Revere High School in Richfield and earned her GED. She will be studying for a degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University and plans to graduate in 2028.
Jim Ruhlin Jr., of The Ruhlin Co., sponsored Shea for this scholarship. Jim tells us, “Shea has been with The Ruhlin Company for over a year, and during that time she has been able to explore multiple aspects of construction. She started out on our Davey Tree SEED Project, which exposed her to both Building and Civil aspects of construction. Her eagerness to get out in the field and see the work be performed quickly revealed Shea’s passion for the industry. While attending high school she transitioned into our main office learning from and helping the estimating staff. This provided the opportunity for Shea to see plan sets for a variety of different work types and from multiple different owners. These experiences will help set her up to be strides ahead of her classmates when continuing her career in construction. Shea’s drive was recognized in the fast-paced world of estimating and continued to be evident when she expressed interest in learning more about the field work. From estimating she has transitioned into working in our yard and will eventually spend time as a laborer on projects to gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build the work. All of Shea’s hard work will only continue to prepare her for her bright future in the industry.”
Shea said she “chose to join the heavy construction industry because I am fascinated with the process by which things are built. The mix of hands-on and office work appeals to me in the industry. I enjoy math and problem-solving, which helps me stay focused and enjoy the work. Adam Lang (The Ruhlin Co.), the yard manager and currently my boss, inspires me. He is very insightful and knowledgeable about most aspects of the industry. I have learned so much from him in a short period of time and I admire his knowledge. After I gain my civil engineering degree, I will strive to become a field engineer at a company based in Ohio.”
OCA will keep you up-to-date about which OCA members are taking advantage of the OCA-Member Legacy Scholarship Program, and “introduce” their future recipients. Better yet, access your $2,000 benefit of membership and sponsor a candidate today! Simply copy and paste the below address into your browser: https://form.jotform.com/231005794905153
Questions? Contact Lynda Pomeroy, OCA’s director of Membership, and administrator of the OCA Advancement Foundation, at 614-488-0724. Or send an email to: lpomeroy@ohiocontractors.org
APPLYING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3! HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:
There are three simple components to accessing this $2,000 benefit of membership.
- OCA member completes a recommendation form indicating their interest in sponsoring a particular candidate. Just copy and paste the following address into your web browser: https://form.jotform.com/231005794905153. Sponsorship includes a commitment to foster a connection with the candidate through summer employment, or whatever appropriate schedule works for the OCA member and the candidate; the intent is to keep the candidate engaged with the industry between the first and second years of education/training.
- Candidate completes and submits an application that has been forwarded to them by their OCA member sponsor; the link to the application is provided on the OCA member recommendation form.
- OCA evaluates applications and makes awards:
- First consideration is given to OCA member firms who have not yet participated in the program.
- Special attention will be given to include as many OCA Chapter areas as possible.
- OCA will provide a $2,000 scholarship check in each candidate’s name; this will be sent to the OCA member, along with a certificate to be used when presenting the check to the student.
NOTE: The application period runs from September through May. Awards will be announced December 1, March 1 and June 1. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted, or until the last day of June each year.