Mike Wazocha Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Mike's Family
$1,550
2 winners, $775 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 13, 2024
Winners Announced
Aug 13, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school, undergraduate, or trade school student
Field of Study:
Construction or construction management

Mike Wazocha was a beloved father, grandfather and husband who passed away in 2012 due to pancreatic cancer.

Mike had a general contracting business in Connecticut and then moved to Florida to start an acoustical ceiling/drywall business. Mike was passionate about the work he did and was a skilled tradesman. Mike was known throughout the industry for his high quality work, done in a timely manner and for his work ethic and pride in his craftsmanship. Mike enjoyed teaching others his trade, whether or not they had previous experience. He believed that learning trades opened doors.

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Mike Wazocha by supporting students who are truly interested in pursuing careers in construction.

Any high school, undergraduate, or trade school student pursuing construction or construction management may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why you are choosing to pursue construction.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published April 8, 2024
Essay Topic

What made you choose to pursue a career in construction?

250–500 words

Winning Applications

Alex Vasquez
Pieper High SchoolSAN ANTONIO, TX
Growing up as a child I was never really interested in construction or building things. I was always more focused on sports and trying to excel in school and get better. However my fascination with building stemmed from my love for Legos, it gave my mind a creative escape and allowed for my imagination to run wild. I was drawn to the idea of creating things for myself and creating a "masterpiece" from what seemed to be mere scraps on the floor. That is what planted the seed in my mind to pursue a career in construction. A reason why I want to pursue a career in construction is because I love to use my hands and build anything, seeing the process and knowing I made it gives me a sense of accomplishment. This feeling of satisfaction and pride in your work is a major motivator for pursuing a career in construction. You enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to put things together and making them work, and you find that the physical aspect of the job keeps you engaged and energized. Another reason why I want to pursue a career in construction is that I'm passionate about the environment and taking care of it. The construction industry has far evolved from what it once was and the rise of global warming gives light to a new challenge in adopting sustainable practices. I want to be one of the people who helps solve this problem whether it's using recycled material or incorporating renewable energy systems into buildings, there are a multitude of ways that construction professionals can make a positive impact on the world and I want to be one of them. Finally, I want to pursue a career in construction because of the countless opportunities it provides for its workers for personal growth as well as professional development. The Construction industry is a very vast range of networks intricately combined into one, there is always something to learn and always ways for improvement. It can range from mastering a tool to leading a whole team to an effective job well done. In conclusion, I want to pursue a career in construction because it offers the perfect combination of physical, intellectual, and creative challenges. I'm excited about the prospect of building something that will stand the test of time, and of making a positive impact on the environment and the community. I look forward to the opportunities for growth and development that this field provides, and I'm eager to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Adrian Sanchez
Corsicana High SchoolCORSICANA, TX
Choosing a career in construction is often driven by a passion for creating and shaping the physical environment around us. For many, the allure lies in the ability to take raw materials and transform them into functional structures that serve a purpose in society. Whether it's building homes, offices, bridges, or roads, construction workers play a vital role in shaping communities and improving people's lives. One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in construction is the tangible impact it has on both individuals and communities. By constructing safe and durable buildings and infrastructure, construction professionals provide essential services that enable people to live, work, and thrive. For instance, building affordable housing projects can address housing shortages and provide shelter for families in need. Constructing schools and educational facilities creates environments conducive to learning, empowering future generations. Similarly, building healthcare facilities ensures access to essential medical services, promoting the well-being of communities. Moreover, the collaborative nature of construction projects fosters teamwork and camaraderie among workers. Construction crews often work closely together, relying on each other's expertise and skills to complete projects successfully. This sense of teamwork not only enhances the quality of work but also creates a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuals can learn from one another and grow professionally. On a personal level, pursuing a career in construction can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work. Seeing a project through from conception to completion and witnessing the physical manifestation of one's efforts can be immensely gratifying. Furthermore, construction offers opportunities for continuous learning and skill development, as new techniques, technologies, and materials emerge. In summary, choosing a career in construction offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world by improving infrastructure, providing essential services, and shaping the built environment. It's a profession that not only benefits others but also provides personal fulfillment and opportunities for growth and development.
Lucas Sein
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston, MA
My family had always been full of hard workers, laborers the type of people we call America's backbone, I grew up working since I was 13 my brother, father, uncle and grandfather used to do all types of labor, steelwork, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, construction and even electrical work. Naturally, I grew up learning these things as well but I quickly realized, I liked construction, My father worked for a construction company and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Even when I was young I loved building blocks and legos, The whole concept of building something from start to finish impressed me but it was the tight-knit work crews that drew me in more because it was always an environment I enjoyed being around, These guys worked but they had fun they were like brothers, It was crazy to me that people could have fun doing such hard work, which got me to doing research where I stumbled upon construction management, the idea you get to do construction work but be on the other end of it setting it up was something I knew I wanted to do instantly, I now find my self at Wentworth Institute of Technology the best construction management school in the state of Massachusetts pursuing a career in the field, I hope to make a change in the industry and make a name for me and my family for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to apply. Best, Lucas Sein
Aliyah Odum
University of North FloridaORLANDO, FL
For as long as I can remember I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life. Construction management has always been a passion of mine, general contractors in particular have interested me for some time. When I ask myself what motivated me to want to become a general contractor, the answer is always the same: Fulfilling my childhood dreams and devoting my time towards something that would positively benefit my life is the best life choice I can make. Growing up in Orlando, Florida greatly influenced my passion for construction. As a child, I would always see houses, highways, bridges, etc being built which sparked my interest even more to want to pursue this career path in my life. Property brothers also greatly influenced my life. Why? Seeing how two brothers devote all of their time and energy to helping couples find their dream homes has always interested me. Throughout my Freshman and Sophomore years, I participated in sports in and out of school but soon realized that sports were not what was best for me. There is something much bigger that is awaiting me. As the end of Sophomore year was approaching I started researching construction class and began building things around the house for me or my family. I found joy in building/making things. Every week I would give myself another task to complete. These were simple tasks, but I learned so much while doing these simple tasks. I would watch TV shows and listen to construction stories told by my uncles. They encouraged me to go out for my dreams and not to miss the opportunity they once did. I’m forever grateful for these stories and tasks because every experience that I have gone through has developed the passion and skills that I am going to need to pursue my dream of becoming a general contractor. In conclusion, I believe that construction management is the only career path that could give me the satisfaction that I need. I am very eager and excited about taking up this major in college. I possess the skills, motivation, determination, and ambition needed to successfully succeed in this field.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 13, 2024. Winners will be announced on Aug 13, 2024.