b'S T U D E N T CO R N E RPast President John Helmlinger believed in lifelong learning and had a vision of a WAMOA-sponsored scholarship program. To honor his memory, and credit his vision, The John Helmlinger Memorial Scholarship was created. This years scholarship winners include two amazing students, Caleb Johnson and Hanna Vanness.Caleb Johnson, Pasco :the skills learned in theI know that to be a My long-term career andapprenticeship, andstronger leader in the professional goals include becomingcontribute to craftingfuture, I need to build a strong member in the sheet metalthe future of the sheetthe necessary leadership industry and to develop an expertmetal industry. skills starting now with knowledge level of a variety ofI plan to attend thecontinuous learning equipment, operating systems, andSheet Metal JATCopportunities.material manufacturing. Ultimately,program through Sheet Metal WorkersCaleb JohnsonI plan to achieve a leadership management role in the industrySMART Local 55. ItI have been personally impacted whether that is with a firm or withinis a 5-year program that allows meby the people in facilities and the organization. Nonetheless, I knowto earn an income while studyingmaintenance because my mom that to be a stronger leader in thethe industry and specific specialties,worked her entire career in that future, I need to build the necessaryplus working with peers and leadersdepartment for my schools. She leadership skills starting now withthroughout the community. Thestarted as a scheduler and renter of continuous learning opportunities. I5-year training program includesfacilities but now is the director of believe the John Helmlinger Memorialcoursework classes in the traditionalthe capital projects department. She Scholarship will greatly assist mesense but also in-classroom hands-onis an amazing woman and now she with developing the learning initiativeinstruction and in-field work to buildhelps build schools for the students as an apprentice in the Sheet Metalhours needed to obtain journeymannow and in the future. My mom is a JATC, so that I can further unleashlevel certification. rock star!continued20 WAMOA JOURNALSUMMER 2024'