Payton S. Osborn Memorial Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 15, 2025
Winners Announced
May 15, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Field of Study:
Welding, pipe fighting, steam fitting, or plumbing
State:
Arkansas

Payton S. Osborn, a 2018 graduate of Hamburg High School, in Hamburg, Arkansas, was a beloved brother, son, and father to an equally amazing six- year-old son with a passion for welding and pipe fitting. He excitedly went to work each day with pride in the fact that he was “building America”.

Payton was unique and well-loved for his loud personality, humor, talent as a welder and pipe fitter, pride in his career, and a genuine love for his family that extended beyond relation to include his extended and work families. The impact he had on the lives he touched will never be forgotten.

On May 29, 2024, at age 24, Payton suffered a heat stroke and went into cardiac arrest while on his job site. This scholarship keeps the memory of Payton S. Osborn alive and honors him by supporting students that follow in his footsteps.

Too often, students who are interested in vocational fields are met with little support. With few scholarships offered for paths in the trades, it can be difficult for students to come up with the financial resources they need to embark on their career goals. With this scholarship we aim to relieve some of that burden.

Any high school senior in Arkansas who is pursuing welding, pipe fitting, steam fitting, or plumbing may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us about yourself and where you plan to complete the rest of your education.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published October 2, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us more about yourself and where you're planning on going to school.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Jerry Warren
Hamburg High SchoolHamburg, AR
Hi, My name is Jerry Warren. I am a seventeen year old senior at Hamburg High School. I am currently enrolled in Industrial Math and Technical Math at the High School along with morning welding classes at UAM in Crossett. In my first year of welding I have been certified with NCCER Construction Site Safety, Basic Welding and SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding). Some things I love to do in my free time are welding, working on my truck and spending time with my family and dog. At a young age I was taught that work ethic was a very important factor in today’s world and that has helped shape me into who I am today. Since around the time I turned 12 I have been helping a family friend who owns a used car lot. I’ve been taught how to maintenance vehicles and diagnose them when something is wrong and if it means so, fixing them. It wasn’t until a couple years ago my interest in welding started. I started welding at the high school in our Agri Shop my tenth grade year and haven’t let up since. My biggest focus in life is to work hard to provide for the family I may have one day and to show my children that with a lot of hard work and determination anyone can make it a long way in life. It has always been my dream to live a comfortable life and to be able to help my parents and close people to me when they need it because of all the support they’ve given me. If I was awarded this grant I’d be deeply and greatly appreciative because like I mentioned earlier on I did not come from the most wealthy family in the money sense but when it comes to the support they have given me through this welding journey I would love to be able to give them the same determination in giving back. Welding is my passion and I put my heart and soul into it every time I pick up my tool bag. It is something I love to do and I would love to continue to do it. In conclusion, I would like to thank you for taking your time to read my application and say that I am really excited to have a chance to get this grant and be able to further my welding education and make something of my future.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 15, 2025.