1. After I graduate from high school, I am going to pursue a certificate in the lineman program, where I have been accepted at Highlands College of MT Tech. 2. I am interested in this trade for a few reasons. One reason is the opportunity to travel for work. There are ways to get hired onto a storm repair crew or a roving crew, where I would not be stationary. I would be sent to work where I am needed. This style of career suits me best because I like the idea that I will never be doing the same thing twice. Every new place is a new opportunity to learn and see new things. I also like the teamwork side of things. I enjoy working with others to be part of something bigger, and that is something I will get to do while being a lineman. 3. I have made several woodworking and welding projects that showcase my problem-solving ability. During the summer of 2025, I made myself a bed. It took a lot of long days in the garage, but I eventually got it done. I was very happy with how it turned out. It looked phenomenal. I entered it at the Lake County Fair, where I won reserve champion for my woodworking project. Another project I made last year was a welding table for my boss. It used solid steel to brace the legs and hold the screen on the bottom. It took a long time to cut each piece of that solid 1-by-4 steel with the oxy-acetylene torch. I was able to do it, though. It also took some time to set up my welder, as welding that solid steel to the thinner legs was a challenge, but with enough tinkering, I was able to get it done. In the end, the table was complete, and I loved the result. At my workplace (Big Creek Plumbing, Ronan, MT), we still use the table daily to solder our shower valves together and store welding supplies on the bottom shelf. 4. My plan with the trades is to attend Highlands College of MT Tech, where I will receive my pre-apprentice certificate. I have already been accepted and will attend in the fall of 2026. From there, I will apply to places hiring apprentices until I am accepted. My goal is to get on with a storm repair crew, where I would travel around the country gaining work experience. After I gain the necessary experience and work my way up to a journeyman, I would like to find a co-op hiring where I could work in a permanent location. 5. If you were to ask an adult in my life who knows me well, they would recommend me to receive this scholarship because I am a hardworking, goal-oriented person. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout school. I would use this scholarship to help pay for college and get my career started. I am very involved in the community, as I am the president of both my 4-H club and FFA chapter. I also complete many community service projects through those organizations, as well as through the National Honor Society.

Ever since I was in 8th grade, I’ve known I wanted to be a lineman. It wasn’t just a random idea, it stuck with me. The more I learned about the job, the more I realized it fit who I am. I like working with my hands, being outside, and doing work that actually matters. Being a lineman means long hours, tough conditions, and a lot of responsibility, but that’s exactly what draws me to it. One of the moments that really defined this for me was going to a field day at Montana Tech. We got the chance to climb poles and be hoisted up in a bucket truck, and that experience meant a lot to me. Climbing the pole was exciting, and I remember feeling proud when I got to the top. That day showed me that this career is challenging, but it’s something I’m willing to work for. That day made everything feel real, and it pushed me to take my goal even more seriously. I’ve worked hard in school, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, because I know success in any career takes discipline and commitment. Even though being a lineman is hands-on, I believe showing up, staying focused, and pushing myself academically has helped prepare me for what’s ahead. I’m proud to say I’ve been accepted into Highlands College of Montana Tech, where I will be pursuing the opportunity to get my pre-apprentice certificate. Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time on the water. Those experiences have taught me patience, independence, and how to stay calm in tough situations. Those lessons will carry over into my future career. For me, becoming a lineman isn’t just about having a job. It’s about doing something I care about, something I’ve worked toward for years. I’m ready to put in the effort, learn everything I can, and build a future I can be proud of.