Clark State Community College students Kathy Schwartz and Cody Herron have each been awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Honda of America. The annual Excellence in Manufacturing scholarships are for students pursuing studies in manufacturing engineering/manufacturing technology or a closely related engineering discipline.
Herron is a second-year student at Clark State majoring in Industrial Technologies and Manufacturing Engineering. He is expecting to graduate in 2018. “I was honestly surprised when I finally heard that I had received the scholarship,” said Herron. “I applied as more of an aid toward my books and tuition so I can rely less on student loans. I was ecstatic about receiving the scholarship.”
Aimee Belanger-Haas, dean of business and applied technologies at Clark State, said Herron is a mechanically gifted student that had been working in low-growth jobs. “He is now proving he will be a valuable employee since he is taking several of our stackable certificates in Computer Numerical Control, Industrial Maintenance as well as Welding,” she said.
Kathy Schwartz is studying Computer-Aided Design. She holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and Architectural Drafting. “I came to Clark State to bring my drafting skills up to date through CAD software and 3D software programs,” she said. “I was a little surprised by the scholarship award because although my grades are very good, I am surrounded by young people who are so intelligent that I was unsure of my chances.”
Schwartz was looking to return to the workforce. “She has proven to be a hardworking and dedicated student who works well with the other students,” said Belanger-Haas.
Schwartz said she was motivated to apply for the Honda Scholarship because she liked the idea of having her out-of-pocket tuition and book expenses paid for.
“I am very excited to have won the Honda Scholarship, but also realize that it was a group effort: my adviser brought the opportunity to my attention and encouraged me to apply; two of my instructors obviously wrote wonderful letters of recommendation for me and my hard work and perseverance in class paid off with good grades.”