BAC FAMILY MEMBERS AWARDED 2024 UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS
Four students from BAC families were among the 209 students selected to receive 2024 Union Plus scholarships. Nearly 6,000 students applied for the 2024 scholarships, which range from $500 to $4,000.
BERTHA AMARIZ ESPINOZA
Bertha is the daughter of BAC Local 21 Illinois member Juan Espinoza-Gutierrez. She is a 2024 graduate of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago and plans to study architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology. She has long dreamt of becoming an architect and is inspired to increase the number of Latina women in the field. While at Mother McAuley, she earned Academic Awards of Distinction in English, music, orchestra, performing arts, and science.
“This recognition means a lot to me because my father has worked very hard my entire life to get me where I am now. He has always supported my dreams, from learning to play the violin to studying architecture. With this scholarship, it will also give my father something less to worry about financially. I am very glad to have received this scholarship and it is one of my first steps in honoring my dad’s hard work,” Bertha said.
“My father’s union has meant a lot to my family and me since he joined,” she continued. “Local 21 has helped us find good and reasonable health plans, and has given us security knowing that my father’s work rights are being protected and represented by the BAC. My dad also has a good retirement plan that gives him and my family some security for their future to come. I am proud to be a BAC Local 21 home.”
ABIGAIL HUNTER
Abigail is the daughter of BAC Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky member Gary Hunter. She is pursuing an associate degree in paramedic sciences at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. Abby is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and telemetry monitor technician at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, IN. She earned CNA certification during her junior year at Northfield Junior/Senior High School and recently became a certified EMT. Her goal is to serve her home community as a paramedic firefighter.
Abby’s father was raised in a union home and was able to work alongside his father before he retired. “My father has taught me how to be a leader and have a good work ethic, both of which are traits he learned as a BAC member,” Abby said. “Working a BAC job has provided my father with job security and continuous training to improve himself in the trade.”
“This recognition is extremely important to me,” she continued. “When writing essays for the scholarship application, I was able to learn more about my father’s experiences through his work. This scholarship is not only a recognition of me, but to my father’s years of hard work.”
VICTORIA SAMOJEDNY
Victoria is the daughter of BAC Local 1 New York member Adam Samojedny. She is a 2024 graduate of the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College in New York and plans to study neuroscience at Case Western Reserve University. In high school she was a student researcher at Mount Sinai, softball manager, and participated in Taekwondo and skiing.
“The scholarship provides much needed financial aid as I embark on my college journey,” said Victoria. “It eases the burden of tuition and other expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries. This support is crucial for my academic success and personal growth. This recognition motivates me to uphold the values of BAC — integrity and craftsmanship — as I pursue my education and future career.”
“I owe a great deal of gratitude to BAC,” she continued. For me and my family, BAC is much more than just an organization; it represents a foundation of support and opportunity.”
AVA SCHMIDT
Ava is the daughter of BAC Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska member Cody Schmidt. She is a 2024 graduate of Santa Fe High School in Alma, MO. In high school she participated in basketball, volleyball, and track, and was a member of the Future Farmers of America, Fellow Christian Athletes Club, and Chiefs Club for athletes who achieved varsity letters in one sport. She also achieved academic all state, an award given to students who excel on the court and in the classroom.
“The union has brought many things to our family, like a roof over our heads, food to eat, healthcare, and electricity. It also gives my family peace of mind for a safe working environment for our dad. My father has been in the union for over 20 years. As he nears the end of his career as a bricklayer, he will worry less about retirement because of the pension system that the union has offered,” Ava shared.
Complete information and the application form for the 2025 Union Plus scholarship program is available in the Education section of unionplus.org, or by visiting https://www. unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships. The application deadline is January 31, 2025.