BAC Congratulates 2021 U.S. Bates Scholarship Recipients
The 2021 US Bates Scholarship program awarded each of six college-bound students from BAC families with a stipend of $5,000 per year for up to four years — up to $20,000 total. Three winners were featured in the last BAC Journal, and the other three are featured below.
ISABELLA KRAMER
Father: John Kramer, Local 5 Pennsylvania Attending: Pennsylvania State University Major: Political Science
What does this recognition mean to you?
Personally, this recognition means everything to me. It is allowing me to pursue an education at my dream school and become one step closer to accomplishing my goals. This recognition also means that there are people who believe in me. Everything I have done up until this point in my life was significant and meaningful and being granted this award truly reinforces that. Being awarded with this scholarship proves to me that kindness is everything, and without it, I would be nothing.
What does the union mean to you and your family?
My father being a part of this union keeps my mind at ease. Just knowing that there is an organization that will support my father and have his best interest in my mind, keeps me sane especially after such trying times this past year. The union allows myself and my father to live comfortably without worry which is not always a given to some folks. I will forever be grateful for such an amazing union continuously being there for my family.
Who would you like to give a shout-out to?
I would like to give a shout-out to my family, especially my dad. Without their support and motivation behind the scenes, I have no clue where I would be. Thank you for teaching me the values of hard work and dedication and for never giving up on me.
SOPHIA CIVITELLA
Father: David Civitella, Local 4 New Jersey Attending: Montclair State University Majoring: Earth and Environmental Science
What does this recognition mean to you?
It obviously means the world to not only me but to my dad because it’s nice to see my work in high school go towards something like this and also see my dad recognized for his work in the union and it takes a big financial burden off of us for college, which is really good.
What does the union mean to you and your family?
My dad has been part of the union for quite a long time, I want to say over 30 years. And it means we’ve been able to have good health insurance, dental, vision, all that stuff. Because I went to the doctors a lot as a kid. It meant I never had to worry about paying for that.
CALLEN HALDORSEN
Father: Kurt Haldorsen, Local 8 Illinois Attending: Lake Land College Major: Psychology
What does this recognition mean to you?
Well, to me the only way that I got this scholarship was because my dad was a member of the Union so it was sort of a tribute to him and all his hard work that he had done and then it benefited me and all my hard work I had put into my schooling and everything.
What does the union mean to you and your family?
The union has provided a lot of benefits and opportunities for my dad. It has provided him with his trade, and with jobs that he loves, and with wages that ensure our financial stability in our family. And then in return it has also given me a great opportunity by awarding me this scholarship that I received.
Who would you like to give a shout-out to?
I would probably just give a shout out to my entire family, my parents and sibling who have been my rock through all of school and my entire life. They are my best friends. And they have pushed me as hard as I could be pushed so I can be amazing in every area of life.