My name is Bryce Wade and I graduate from Alliance High School in May of 2026. My future educational plans are to enroll at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE in the fall, where I have been accepted into their Electrical Construction and Control Program. This is a two-year program and a huge step in fulfilling my career goals of becoming an electrician and some day, owning my own business.
I realize that my GPA and ACT score may not be as high as some of my peers. But I can honestly say that I tried my hardest. I have had an IEP since third grade due to dyslexia. I struggle with reading, reading comprehension, and writing, which really makes test taking tough. However, I never wanted to be treated differently and never enrolled in a special education class. Maintaining a regular class schedule required a lot of hard work and help from my teachers and family. But, I am proud to say that I will graduate on time with my class, and have already been accepted into the college of my choice.
In eighth grade I had the opportunity to tour the WNCC Powerline School and do some hands-on activities, including climbing poles. This experience really sparked my interest in becoming an electrician. To be honest, school is not my favorite thing. I enjoy being active, being outside, working with my hands, and would definitely consider myself a hands-on learner. That said, I knew by middle school that the trades would be the best path for me. In doing further research of trade schools, I found that there is a high demand for those in the trades, along with good salaries. As an added benefit, trade schools are relatively affordable, and hopefully between the money I save through working and any scholarships I may receive, I won’t have a lot of student loan debt after I graduate college.
My work ethic is one of my strongest traits. I have had a part-time job since age 15. I currently work at Western Potatoes, and will be there until I leave for college. Prior to that I worked for Bloedorns. I also do snow removal and mow lawns on the side. These jobs have helped develop my work ethic and given me valuable experience for my future career. My parents work hard and help my siblings and me a lot. But I am also one of three teenagers in the house, so we kids are asked to help. Having a job has taught me responsibility and allowed me to purchase my truck and save for college. Aside from work, I also compete in powerlifting. As one can imagine, this requires discipline, hard work, and has taught me to set goals, and do the work to achieve them.
I know there are many challenges ahead in reaching my goal of becoming an electrician and owning my own business. But, I believe my work ethic and the steps I have taken already, will help me achieve my dreams. I greatly appreciate your consideration and this opportunity given to kids like me who are interested in careers in the trades.
My family was fortunate enough to know Colt. He helped my grandparents a lot through his plumbing service. One time grandpa asked Colt what he owed him and his answer was, “I missed your birthday, and you get a veteran’s discount, so . . . nothing.” I hope that I can pay it forward the same way in the future, and it is an honor to be considered for this scholarship in Colt’s name.
I have grown up with the opportunity to learn the importance of hard work, honesty, and endurance through my years as a son of a ranching family. In our cow/calf operation, I have learned teamwork, dedication and pride doing a job correctly the first time are instruments to success. During the winter seasons during calving, we are all hands on around the clock, though it is quite a tiresome experience, it's a realization that being accountable and dependable are valuable characteristics and lessons to apply to life. The values I have grown up with have helped mold my character and also influenced me to take up welding, a profession with several aspects similar to those I've grown up around; accuracy, order, and satisfaction to hard work well done.
I want to pursue a degree in welding, and it is one of the areas where I am quite sure my personality suits me, and I enjoy doing it. As mentioned previously, growing up on the ranch we have done a great deal of welding on the from machinery repair to bunk building. Stripping and building demolition derby cars alongside my brothers have also solidified my eagerness and commitment to pursuing a degree in welding. I currently have the opportunity to do school- to work, working at Box Butte Ag, another opportunity to be exposed to welding techniques by someone else in a professional setting. To me, welding is not merely a technique of joining metals; it is transforming rough materials into constructive structures used to meet needs with the skills I enjoy. I find satisfaction in a challenge and completing tasks, and welding allows me to be constructive and creative with metal. I plan to become a certified welder, specializing in structural and agricultural welding, primarily to support the development of rural industries, and later, possibly, to establish my own welding business. In that sense, my strategies involve completing my course, gaining qualifications to a higher level, and staying relevant through continuous learning.
As a football, basketball, track, and golf athlete, I have acquired characteristics such as discipline, teamwork, and determination, which are directly transferable to the success of any trade. Similarly, my participation in 4-H and FFA activities has helped me develop leadership skills, become more responsible, and gain a sense of community.
What sets me apart is probably my excellent work ethic and eagerness for the welding craft. I get satisfaction from hard work, taking a project from start to finish and making sure that every weld is done to the highest quality of my ability. To be awarded this scholarship not only offsets the financial burdens of college, but is a reminder my dreams are achievable, others believe in my journey and most importantly carry forward the legacy of Colt who touched the lives of many including myself.
Good morning,
My name is Elijah Walker, and I am currently in my senior year at Hemingford Public Schools. As I approach graduation, I am filled with excitement and determination to pursue a career in the automotive industry by obtaining certification as an automotive technician. I am particularly interested in enrolling in a program at either Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) or Wyotech, as both institutions are renowned for their comprehensive training and dedication to equipping students with real-world skills.
My fascination with cars began at a very young age, deeply rooted in the experiences I had working alongside my father, who was a mechanic himself. Together, we tackled various automotive projects, but my most significant venture began with my old truck—a 1981 Chevrolet K10—that I acquired during my early teenage years. This vehicle quickly became more than just transportation; it transformed into a hands-on learning experience that shaped my technical abilities and passion for mechanical work.
The journey of restoring the K10 was filled with learning moments and challenges. One of the first obstacles I encountered was a malfunctioning ignition system that had been improperly installed backward. Initially, I was intimidated, but with persistence, I meticulously researched the issue and consulted with my father to guide me through the troubleshooting process. This led to my discovery of additional problems, prompting a complete replacement of the steering assembly. I learned the importance of methodical troubleshooting and how even the smallest oversight could lead to significant complications down the line.
As I delved deeper into the mechanics of my truck, I faced the potentially daunting task of addressing a misfiring engine. The original engine had suffered considerable damage, which necessitated a complete engine swap. Fortunately, thanks to a family friend who was upgrading their vehicle, I had access to an engine in good condition that I could use for this project. The process of removing the old engine and installing the new one was labor-intensive, but it gave me invaluable hands-on experience. I was able to apply what I had learned about engine components, and this project taught me the value of meticulous work and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion.
Despite successfully installing the new engine, I encountered yet another challenge—the speedometer was malfunctioning. With my speedometer out of commission, I had to rely on my tachometer and rough estimations based on the gear I was in to gauge my speed. While this experience highlighted the critical importance of accurate instrumentation in vehicles, it also served as a reminder of my commitment to safety and compliance on the road. After careful consideration, I made the tough decision to sell the truck, understanding that the inability to accurately monitor my speed could lead to dangerous situations. Parting ways with the K10 was bittersweet, as I had invested so much time and effort into it; however, it solidified my resolve to continue pursuing my passion for automotive work in a more professional capacity.
Through these experiences, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for the complexities of automotive technology and a burning desire to expand my knowledge further. I am eager to immerse myself in both the technical and diagnostic aspects of automotive repair, and I am confident that the education and hands-on training I would receive at WNCC or Wyotech will equip me with the tools necessary to thrive in this dynamic field.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider my aspirations.
Sincerely,
Elijah Walker
