I’ve chosen a career in Instrumentation because it gives me the opportunity to work with my hands, think critically, and be part of a field that is both essential and constantly evolving. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work, fixing them, and understanding the systems behind them. Instrumentation brings all of that together, allowing me to develop a skill that can lead to a long-term career with stability, growth, and purpose. One of the biggest reasons I chose this path is because of my uncle, who has worked in Instrumentation for many years. He’s been a mentor to me both personally and professionally. I’ve looked up to him not just because of his success in the trade, but because of his work ethic, patience, and the pride he takes in doing the job right. Watching him build a career from the ground up and seeing how it allowed him to provide for his family and give back to others showed me what was possible if I committed myself. He’s taken the time to teach me about the trade, answer my questions, and encourage me to pursue it seriously. That mentorship has meant a lot to me, and it’s helped me feel confident that this is the right path. When I was deciding where to study, Perry Technical Institute stood out right away. Their high job placement rate and the success of their graduates were major factors in my decision. I’ve spoken with several people who went through Perry Tech’s Instrumentation program and went on to have fulfilling, well-paying careers. The school’s reputation for hands-on training, strong instructor support, and real-world preparation made it clear that this was the best place for me to start my journey. I want to attend a school that will challenge me, push me to be my best, and give me the skills I need to succeed in the field—and Perry Tech offers exactly that. Once I complete my training and start working, I want to give back by following my uncle’s example and helping others. Whether that means mentoring younger students, sharing knowledge with new apprentices, or volunteering my time to teach basic skills to high schoolers who are considering the trades, I want to be a positive influence. I know how important it is to have someone who believes in you and shows you what’s possible. I’ve had that, and I want to pass it on. Something else I’d like the committee to know is that I’m all in. I’m not doing this just for a paycheck—I’m doing it because I want to build something lasting, provide for my family, and grow into someone others can count on. Receiving the Be Skilled – Find Success Scholarship would help ease the financial pressure that comes with school, tools, and transportation, and it would allow me to focus fully on my education. But more than that, it would be a vote of confidence in my future—something I would carry with pride and gratitude.

My name is Christopher Torres, and I am pursuing a career in Instrumentation—a skilled trade that combines technology, hands-on work, and problem-solving. I am passionate about this path because it gives me the chance to work in a field that not only challenges me intellectually, but also allows me to build a stable and meaningful future for myself and my family. The Richard (Dunk) Matthews II Scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to focus on mastering my trade and eventually using those skills to give back to my community. Growing up in a hardworking family with limited financial resources has shaped my outlook on life. We’ve always had to work for everything we have. My parents taught me the value of persistence, sacrifice, and staying committed, even when times are hard. Those lessons helped me build a strong work ethic and a desire to make the most out of every opportunity. But even with motivation and support, the cost of trade school can be a heavy burden. Tuition, tools, and transportation quickly add up, and while my family supports me emotionally, we simply don’t have the financial means to cover it all. That’s why this scholarship means so much to me—not just as a source of financial aid, but as a symbol of belief in my future. Instrumentation is a field that has always interested me. I’ve always been someone who likes to understand how things work and enjoys the satisfaction of solving problems with my hands and mind. In this trade, I see an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself—helping industries run safely and efficiently, contributing to essential services, and making a real impact through skilled work. It’s not just a job to me; it’s a long-term career with purpose and potential. To master my trade, I plan to dedicate myself completely to my training. That means showing up early, asking questions, seeking mentorship, and always staying curious. I understand that learning a trade isn’t just about passing tests—it’s about developing real-world skills and becoming someone others can rely on. I’m prepared to put in the effort, stay disciplined, and take pride in learning every part of this craft. Once I’m established in my career, I want to give back in the same spirit this scholarship is offered—with generosity and purpose. I hope to mentor young people who are considering the trades, share tools or resources with those in need, and speak up for vocational education as a valuable and honorable path. People like Richard (Dunk) Matthews II leave behind a legacy of helping others, and I want to carry that forward in my own way—using the opportunities I’ve been given to open doors for others. Receiving the Richard (Dunk) Matthews II Scholarship would be an incredible honor and a powerful step forward in my journey. It would relieve the financial strain I currently face and allow me to stay fully focused on my training. More importantly, it would inspire me to keep pushing forward and one day give back to others, just like this scholarship would be doing for me.

I am applying for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because I am committed to building a strong future for myself, my family, and my community through hard work, education, and service. I understand that this scholarship honors the memory of Mark Green, a person who valued integrity, perseverance, and making a difference in the lives of others. These values align closely with my own, and receiving this scholarship would not only reduce the financial burden of continuing my education, but also serve as a meaningful encouragement in my pursuit of a career that allows me to help others and build lasting stability. Growing up in a household with limited financial resources has taught me the importance of sacrifice, grit, and the determination to succeed despite difficult circumstances. My family has always emphasized the value of hard work and making the most out of every opportunity. We’ve had to work for everything we have, and while that has shaped my character and built my sense of responsibility, it has also made the cost of trade school a real obstacle. My family supports me as best they can, but tuition, tools, transportation, and other costs add up quickly. This scholarship would lift a huge financial weight and allow me to concentrate on my education and career goals without the constant stress of how to afford them. I plan to attend trade school to earn a certification in Instrumentation, a field that combines problem-solving, technology, and hands-on work—all things I’m passionate about. I’ve always been drawn to figuring out how things work and fixing problems, and I know that skilled tradespeople are crucial in every community. By pursuing this career, I aim to join the workforce quickly, provide financial support for my family, and eventually mentor or assist others who are facing similar challenges. I see this as more than a job—it's a chance to create a life of purpose and contribution. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor. More than just financial help, it would symbolize a belief in my potential and remind me that people in my community want to see me succeed. I’m committed to working hard, staying focused, and making the most of every opportunity I’m given. I hope to carry the spirit of this scholarship forward—not only by achieving my goals but also by supporting others in the future, just as this scholarship supports me now.

Faith has been the foundation of my life, shaping my identity and guiding my path. As a devoted Catholic, I have embraced the Sacraments of baptism, communion, and confirmation—milestones that strengthened my connection to God and deepened my understanding of perseverance, gratitude, and purpose. My faith has provided comfort and direction, especially during challenges, and has driven me to pursue my goals with determination. One of the most defining moments of my life occurred when I was seven years old. During a family trip in March 2014, I suffered a life-threatening asthma attack that led to my hospitalization in the ICU. My oxygen levels dropped dangerously low, and despite medical intervention, my condition worsened. I was placed on a ventilator, and at one point, I was briefly pronounced dead before being revived through CPR. In a desperate attempt to save my life, I was airlifted to Seattle Children's Hospital, where doctors performed an experimental surgery to support my heart and lungs. That experience instilled a deep appreciation for life, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity. It reinforced my faith, resilience, and desire to help others in meaningful ways. Growing up in a low-income community further shaped my aspirations. I saw firsthand how limited access to resources could hold people back, and I became determined to break the cycle, not just for myself but for those around me. My family, despite financial hardships, always encouraged me to strive for excellence. Their unwavering support fueled my desire to pursue a career that would provide stability, growth, and a way to give back. That was when I discovered my passion for Instrumentation, Automation, and Robotics Technology. I was drawn to the field because of its transformative impact on industries and communities, particularly in underserved areas. Inspired by my uncle, who completed the same program, I saw how this career path could open doors to stability, innovation, and meaningful contributions. Working with my hands, solving problems, and improving systems excite me, but what drives me most is the potential to use this knowledge to uplift communities, helping industries operate more efficiently and creating opportunities for those who need them most. To achieve this goal, I have dedicated myself to technical education and hands-on learning. Through my coursework and experiences, I am developing the skills necessary to excel in this field and make a lasting impact. I plan to build expertise in automation and robotics, gain industry experience, and use my knowledge to contribute to projects that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility across different sectors. My journey—from a near-death experience to growing up in a community with limited resources—has shaped who I am today. These experiences have instilled resilience, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. A scholarship would not only support my academic and career aspirations but also enable me to continue my mission of giving back, helping industries thrive, communities grow, and individuals like me reach their fullest potential.

One of the most defining moments of my life occurred when I was seven years old. During a family trip in March 2014, I suffered a life-threatening asthma attack that led to my hospitalization in the ICU. My oxygen levels dropped dangerously low, and despite medical intervention, my condition worsened. I was placed on a ventilator, and at one point, I was briefly pronounced dead before being revived through CPR. In a desperate attempt to save my life, I was airlifted to Seattle Children's Hospital, where doctors performed an experimental surgery to support my heart and lungs. That experience changed my life. It gave me a deep appreciation for every opportunity I have and a strong desire to help others. I learned resilience at a young age, pushing through hardships with determination. Growing up in a low-income community reinforced this mindset. I saw firsthand how limited access to resources and opportunities could hold people back. However, my family, despite financial hardships, always encouraged me to strive for excellence. Their unwavering support fueled my desire to pursue a career that would provide stability, growth, and a way to give back. Jack Terry’s story resonates deeply with me. Like him, I have faced significant adversity at a young age and had to rely on perseverance and education to build a better future. His ability to overcome obstacles and dedicate his life to helping others inspires me to do the same. I plan to attend Perry Technical Institute this fall to study Instrumentation, Automation, and Robotics Technology—a field that excites me because of its impact on industries and communities, particularly in less fortunate areas. My interest in this field was sparked by my uncle, who completed the same program and found success in the industry. Seeing how his career has provided stability and allowed him to contribute to essential industries inspired me to follow the same path. Through my coursework and hands-on learning, I am developing the skills necessary to excel in this field and make a lasting impact. I want to use my knowledge to help industries operate efficiently and create opportunities in communities that lack technological advancements. I believe that education is the key to breaking cycles of hardship. Just as Jack Terry overcame unimaginable adversity and used his knowledge to uplift others, I am committed to doing the same. My journey—from a near-death experience to growing up in a community with limited resources—has shaped my resilience, determination, and desire to give back. A scholarship would not only support my education but also help me achieve my goal of making a difference. With this opportunity, I can continue developing my skills, contribute to the advancement of industries, and help communities gain access to better resources and opportunities. Like Jack Terry, I want to use my experiences as motivation to uplift those around me and create a meaningful impact in the world.