UCANE’s 48th Annual Scholarship Awards Night

Sponsored by C. N. Wood Company, Inc.

Over the Years UCANE has seen many changes in our industry and in our communities. Certainly, the last two years have been anything but “normal” for all of us due to COVID-19. One thing that has remained consistent is UCANE member’s commitment to the next generation of future leaders. That is why for the past 48 years UCANE has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to over 500 sons, daughters, and grandchildren of UCANE members who chose to pursue higher education after high school. Although these students vary in their career choices and interests, each one of them exemplifies what UCANE stands for as an association: hard work, dedication, commitment to family, and service to their communities.

On May 12, UCANE hosted our Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton, MA, to recognize the achievements of the 12 outstanding students receiving UCANE’s 2022 Scholarships. Joining the students were family, friends, UCANE members, and guests.

After a brief “meet and greet” session, Executive Director Jeff Mahoney kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and congratulating the winners for their impressive resumes. Jeff also recognized the parents who undoubtedly deserved credit for helping to successfully guide their children through what is becoming an increasingly challenging academic and social experience for young adults today.

Jeff then introduced our keynote speaker for the evening, former New England Patriots Linebacker, Matt Chatham (Sponsored by Broadstone Advisors, LLC). After a standout high school career in Iowa, Matt set some school records at the University of South Dakota where he played for four years. NFL scouts had their eyes on Matt, who was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 1999. Matt played Linebacker and special teams (jersey #58) for the New England Patriots from 2000-2005 where he earned three Super Bowl Rings. Matt played for the New York Jets from 2006-2008.

After his professional football career Matt settled in Wrentham, MA with his wife and two children. He earned an MBA at Babson College in Wellesley, is an active dad, and well known in the community. In addition to pursuing several business ventures, Matt has been a familiar face to sports fans over the years doing both live and written sports commentary for multiple local and national TV networks, sports radio sites, and sports publications.

Matt addressed the group and praised the award recipients for a job well done. Although they are receiving an individual award tonight, Matt reminded the students of the important role that their family “team” played in helping them to become winners. A great proponent of teamwork, Matt advised the group to join a club or a team to maximize their college experience. Also, as they meet and make new friends, try to seek out those who are like themselves; those who are not afraid of hard work, those who have high morals, and those who are driven to succeed.

Jeff then began the formal Scholarship Awards presentation by explaining to the audience that while our applicants are judged in part on their academics, which includes class standing, scholastic honors, SAT and Achievement test scores, judging also weighs heavily on a student’s extracurricular activities (both in and out of school), as well as their essay presentation. Each applicant is blindly reviewed by a committee of educators who are not affiliated with UCANE. As Jeff introduced each scholarship recipient and briefed the audience on that student’s credentials, there was an obvious look of pride on the face of each family member. But more importantly, as future leaders are constantly in demand in this great country, there was a sense of security in the entire crowd knowing that some of those future leaders were surely in this room tonight.

Each of the Scholarships were presented in honor and in memory of a highly respected UCANE member and leader who contributed greatly to the history of UCANE. Descendants and employees of these industry icons were on hand to say a few words to each winner and to offer their congratulations.

supported our scholarship program for 48 consecutive years! n

Arnold Belli MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Lindsey is the daughter of James and Lori Byman of Topsfield, MA. James works for UCANE member firm RSM US LLP of Boston, MA. Lindsey attended Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, MA, where she earned mostly A’s and A+ in honors and advanced placement courses throughout high school. She was a member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society in her junior and senior years. In her junior year she was a Trinity College Book Award winner and an AP Scholar, senior year she was a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student. In addition to her demanding course of study, Lindsey’s extracurricular activities included being editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, a class officer, peer leader, volleyball team captain, environmental club member, student council member, and a track and field athlete.

Lindsey’s AP Language and Composition teacher wrote, “This student is a born scholar…She leads with heart. In a class that often enters controversial territory, she played the roles of passionate advocate, probing questioner, and confident opponent with equal grace and warmth. She cares for humanity, justice, and the earth with a sincerity that wins the respect of both peers and adults.”

Lindsey will attend Northwestern University where she plans to major in Journalism with a Political Science minor.

Lindsey received the Arnold Belli Memorial Scholarship. Arnold was the former President of A. R. Belli, Inc. of Newton MA. One of Arnold’s passions was UCANE’s Scholarship Program and to this day, his four daughters, Linda, Karen, Cindy, and Lisa continue their father’s tradition. Arnold was also the recipient of UCANE’s highest honor, our Contractor Member of the Year Award.

roBert B. our MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Sarah is the daughter of Scott and Shannon Harper of Norfolk, MA. Scott works for UCANE member firm S. M. Lorusso & Sons, Inc. Sarah attended King Philip Regional High School where she achieved high academic honors throughout her high school career. Her scholastic activities included the math national honors society while also being a member of KP Cares, Secretary of the Leo Club, and a member of the varsity girl’s soccer team. A college professor who knows Sarah well wrote, “No matter what school she attends she will thrive academically. She will work hard to maximize the learning and social experiences of college, while also lifting up those around her. She is the kind of student that will help others when they are struggling, in school and beyond.”

Sarah will attend Babson College in the fall. She has not yet declared her major.

This scholarship was presented in memory of Robert B. Our, Sr., former President of the Robert B. Our Company of Harwich, MA. Because the Our family has been so incredibly supportive of UCANE and especially our scholarship program, 10 years ago, our Board of Directors unanimously voted to present one of our scholarships in memory of Robert B. Our, Sr. However, we later received a letter from his son John who wrote, “my family could not think of a better way to honor our father’s name, and all that he stood for, so the Our family is proud to begin funding this scholarship on an annual basis.”

Robbie Our presented the Robert B. Our, Sr. Memorial Scholarship in memory of his grandfather.

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richArd Mccourt MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Timothy is the son of Kevin Johnson and Deborah Prisco of Middleborough, MA. Kevin works for UCANE member firm C. N. Wood Company, Inc of Woburn, MA. Timothy attended Middleborough High School where he earned mostly A’s throughout his high school career in many honors and college placement classes.

His scholastic honors included being a member of the National Honor Society in his Junior and Senior years. He was a member of the Student Council, Rho Khappa, a Freshman Orientation Leader, and the National Language Honor Society President. His extracurricular activities included varsity basketball and football.

Timothy’s AP U.S. History teacher wrote, “Tim is a determined young man who possesses confidence and a work ethic that every student should have when first stepping into a college environment…he is a conscientious worker who is very focused on his success…He is a true team player who constantly strives to improve himself by taking on academic challenges.”

Tim will attend Suffolk University where he will major in International Relations and minor in History.

Timothy received the Richard McCourt Memorial Scholarship, which was presented in memory of Richard McCourt, former President of McCourt Construction Company. Rich was one of the most respected contractors in our industry. Although his company performed mostly road and bridge projects, he was determined to support UCANE and our industry by becoming a member and taking an active role in our Association.

Ryan McCourt presented Timothy with the Richard McCourt Memorial Scholarship in memory of his father.

philip JASSet MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Lauren is the daughter of Jean and Audrey Lubin of Mattapan, MA. Jean is an employee of UCANE member firm Taylor Oil Company of Holbrook, MA. Lauren attended Wayland High School in Wayland, MA, where in her senior year she earned mostly A’s. She was presented a Certificate of Achievement by the Administration and Faculty in recognition of an outstanding accomplishment and performance in Chemistry, she also received a Certificate of Completion for successfully completing the 2020 Wake Forest Medical Scholars Virtual Summer Program. As a member of the Power Club, Lauren spent three months volunteering at The Boston Project Ministries as a youth ambassador. During her time there she worked within communities to fulfill a mission of spreading awareness about mental health and removing the stigma surrounding it.

Her Chemistry teacher wrote, “Lauren has a fantastic balance of diligence, intelligence, drive, humor, mindfulness, and empathy. The combination of someone who has the ability to work hard, think well, and make everyone around them feel good is so rare…Not only will she excel, she will do so with caring and a work ethic that inspires everyone around her.”

Lauren will attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services where she will major in Physician Assistant Studies/Pre-Med.

Lauren received the Phil Jasset Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was presented in memory of our dear friend Phil Jasset, a longtime UCANE member, friend, and mentor to many officials in state and local government. Phil was literally the historical librarian of all construction programs in our industry and was considered the “go-to-person” by many agency heads when questions arose on the clean water laws and funding mechanisms used to fund these programs.

WilliAM Zoppo MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Anna is the daughter of Louis and Lauren Minichino of Hanover, MA. Louis is an employee of UCANE member firm Barletta Heavy Division of Canton, MA. Anna attended Hanover High School where she earned straight A’s throughout her high school career in mostly honors and advanced placement classes. Her scholastic honors included High Honor Roll status in her sophomore and junior years, Music Student of the Year freshman through junior years, and a member of the National Honor Society in her junior and senior years. Anna’s extracurricular activities included being a member of the varsity dance team, symphonic band, jazz ensemble (lead tenor saxophone), and drama orchestra pit. Outside of school Anna helped organize and run a summer dance camp for children and created a peer mentor program for high schoolers to give instrument lessons to middle school students.

Anna’s English teach wrote, “Perseverance, dedication, ability to overcome obstacles. These skills are rare in today’s teens, but Anna not only encompasses and exhibits these qualities, she personifies them. She embodies them. She exudes them…I am more than confident that Anna will continue to excel in college and beyond as she studies her passion, musical therapy.”

Anna will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she will major in Music Education and Flute Performance.

This scholarship was funded by R. Zoppo Corp. in memory of William Zoppo, former President of R. Zoppo Corp. of Stoughton, MA. Mr. Zoppo received UCANE’s highest honor, that of “Contractor Member of the Year.” Bill was a second-generation member following his father Rocco, who was one of UCANE’s founding members. Later, Bill’s son David followed the family tradition by becoming a third-generation member, who served as UCANE President and as a member of our Board of Directors for many years.

David Zoppo presented the William Zoppo Memorial Scholarship in memory of his father.

ronAld pAcellA MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Ashlyn is the daughter of James and Stephanie Montisanti of Dracut, MA. Stephanie works for UCANE member firm Massachusetts Ready Mix LLC of Littleton, MA. Anna attended Lowell Catholic High School where she earned High Honors and the McArdle Grant freshman through senior years, she was a member of the National Honor Society her junior and senior years, and a Science National Honor Society member in her senior year. Her extracurricular activities included being the Yearbook Club Editor, a member of the Ambassadors Club, and a junior varsity volleyball athlete. Outside of school Ashlyn was a member of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association Youth Council, Social Media Committee, and Fundraising Committee, as well as having her own Tie Dye company.

Ashlyn’s Program Manager at the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association wrote, “Ashlyn has established herself as a true leader on the council. There have been many different assignments we have thrown her way and she has amazed us with her attention to detail and a level of wisdom and maturity that is rare to find in a teenager.”

Ashlyn is undecided where she will attend college. She has been accepted to eight impressive Universities and will major in Business.

This scholarship was presented by the Pacella Family in memory of Ron Pacella who worked in the construction industry for more than 50 years. Over the years, Ron served on our Board of Directors and held all of our elected offices. In addition, he served two terms as UCANE President and in 1991 he served as President of the National Utility Contractors Association in Washington, DC and received a Congressional Tribute for promoting the Clean Water Act through the U. S. Congress and Senate. Ron was also the recipient of UCANE’s highest honor, that of “Contractor Member of the Year.”

Ron’s grandson, Querino Pacella presented the Ronald Pacella Memorial Scholarship to Ashlyn.

roBert deSAnctiS MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Alex is the son of Steven and Rebecca Pedersen of West Newbury, MA. Both Steven and Rebecca work for UCANE member firm Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. of Reading, MA. Alex attended Pentucket Regional High School where he earned a straight A average throughout his high school career in mostly honors and advanced placement classes. His academic honors include National Merit Commended Scholar, College Board Nation Recognition Program, Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, DECA State Conference Top Exam Score Award, Pentucket Regional High School Academic Excellence Award, Pentucket Regional High School Math Award, Pentucket Regional High School Leadership Award, and Pentucket Regional High School Indoor Track Coaches Award.

His extracurricular activities included Student Government, Class Secretary (grades 9-12), varsity cross country running team senior captain, four-year state qualifying DECA team member, and a peer mentor. Outside of school Alex was a volunteer counselor at Pentucket Summer Dance Camp, a volunteer at the Special Olympics unified track meet, and Merrimack Valley Hope Mission.

Alex’s English teacher and track coach wrote, “It has been such an enriching experience to have Alex in the classroom. His natural aptitude, intellectual curiosity and ability to analyze literature place him as one of the best English students in his grade.”

Alex is undecided where he will attend college and was accepted at 12 universities. He will major in Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering.

This scholarship was funded through the generosity of Adam DeSanctis in memory of his father Bob DeSanctis. Bob, who was President of the DeSanctis Insurance Agency, joined UCANE in 1979, and over the years supported virtually every one of our programs.

Jordan Tirone of the DeSanctis Insurance Agency presented the Robert DeSanctis Memorial Scholarship to Alex.

FrAnk Mccourt MeMoriAl ScholArShip

William is the son of Christopher and Luanne Pehl of Jefferson, MA. Chris works for UCANE member firm J. F. White Contracting Co. of Framingham, MA. William attended Wachusett Regional High School in Holden, MA, where he earned mostly A’s and B’s in a challenging college preparatory curriculum.

William was asked to join the National Honor Society his senior year. He was a member of the track and field and golf teams. William enjoyed volunteering in his spare time, which includes at Elder Services of Worcester, The Mustard Seed, and summer golf camp lessons.

His English teacher wrote, “William is extremely conscientious and hard working. He completes every assignment on time and with his best efforts. He is consistently thorough with his work and is detail oriented. However, despite all of Williams academic achievements his work ethic and leadership are most impressive.”

William is undecided on which college he will attend and has been accepted seven schools. He plans to major in Finance with an economics minor.

This scholarship was awarded through the generosity of the McCourt family in memory of Frank McCourt who was Chairman of the John McCourt Company. His company specialized in major construction projects including Logan Airport, Boston’s Central Artery, the Callahan Tunnel, and the widening of Route 128.

Ryan McCourt presented the Frank McCourt Memorial Scholarship in memory of his grandfather to William.

herMAn Snyder MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Ryan is the son of Christopher and Dawn Perkins of Kittery, ME. Christopher works for UCANE member firm Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. of Reading, MA. Ryan attends Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. He is majoring in Financial Information Analysis with a minor in Computer Science. He has achieved a 3.963 GPA and is the top junior Financial Information and Analysis student and is ranked number three in his class. He has achieved Presidential Scholar every semester since he entered Clarkson five semesters ago. He received the top REH School sophomore student award and has been chosen to receive an academic school award at this springs award ceremony.

His academic advisor wrote, “Ryan consistently amazes me with his ability to juggle academics while also fulfilling the responsibility of the extracurricular activities he’s involved with. He has given tirelessly of himself as demonstrated by the numerous hours he has contributed to various Clarkson organizations. He serves as a senator of CUSA, a Master Peer/Peer Educator for the First Year Seminar, a member of the Clarkson Strategic Investment Group, and the Golf Club. In summary Ryan has proven himself to be effective in achieving goals; committed to the organizations he is involved in, and willing to, and interested in, sharing his talents and education to improve society.”

This Scholarship was presented in memory of Herman Snyder, a founder of the prestigious construction law firm, Hinckley Allen LLP. Hinckley Allen has been UCANE’s legal counsel for over 40 years and it is through their generosity that this scholarship was awarded.

AlBAneSe BrotherS, inc. ScholArShip

Drew is the son of Brian and Ellen Riley of Wakefield, MA. Brian works for UCANE member firm Milton CAT of Milford, MA. Drew attended Wakefield Memorial High School in Wakefield, MA, where he was an honor roll student all four years and achieved high honors in his senior year. He was a member of the National Honor Society in his junior and senior years. His extracurricular activities included playing four years of hockey and baseball on both the junior varsity and varsity levels. He was also a member of the Ski Club, an organization that he helped establish in his sophomore year. Outside of school he volunteered at Most Blessed Sacrament Church helping to organize community dinners where freshly made dinner were distributed to senior citizens and the homeless. His guidance counselor stated, “Drew is one of the most pleasant and genuine young men I have had the pleasure to work with over my 23-year career in education. He has challenged himself throughout his high school career, which has served him well and prepared him for his post-secondary education.”

This scholarship was funded by Albanese Brothers, Inc. in an effort to help support our next generation. Albanese Brothers, Inc. is a 44-year-old private family business. It was originally founded by brother’s Marco and Giovanni Albanese in 1978, and is now owned and operated by Marco’s children Marcella, Maria, and Otto “Dino” Albanese. The company is highly respected in our industry and has been a huge supporter of UCANE over the years.

JoSeph d’AMico MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Charlie is the son of Bruce and Elisabeth Roberts of Marshfield, MA. Bruce works for UCANE member firm J. F White Contracting Company of Framingham, MA. Charlie attends the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. He earned a place on the UMass Dartmouth Dean’s List as a college freshman. He is a member of the Tennis Club, the Residence Hall Association, and Vice President of Sustainability. He is part of the National Park Community Service Trip for 2022.

Charlie’s high school Computer Science teacher wrote, “When I met Charlie, I knew he had a passion and excitement for the challenges computer science offers. He demonstrates a strong ability to analyze problems and is consistent, dependable, and accurate in carrying out his responsibilities to a successful conclusion…Though he is extremely smart, he is humble and enjoys sharing ideas and knowledge with both peers and adults alike.”

This scholarship was presented in memory of Joe D’Amico, by former company President, Mike Lenihan. Joe and his brothers Nino and Paul owned J. D’Amico, Inc., and were valued members of our Association and the underground utility contracting community for more than 40 years. Joe served on our Board of Directors for more than 25 years and later became UCANE President. He also received UCANE’s highest honor, that of “Contractor Member of the Year.”

tony & Anthony uMBro MeMoriAl ScholArShip

Joe is the son of Joseph and Anne Marie Salvon of West Springfield, MA. Joseph Sr. works for UCANE member firm Palmer Paving/Peckham Industries. Joe also did an internship at Palmer Paving from May 2020-August 2020.

Joe attends Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Fire Protection Engineering. He earned a spot on the fall 2021 Dean’s List, is President of Sigma Phi Epsilon-MA Beta Chapter-2022, Vice President of Programming, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Balanced Man Scholarship Chairman 2020-2021, and Balanced Man Scholarship Recipient 2020.

His professor wrote of him, “During 2021 Term C, Joe was my undergraduate student in my course on “Leadership Practice” at WPI…Joe’s pleasant and direct communication style helped others remain focused and on tasks to be completed. His strong work ethic and commitment to learning are impressive.”

This scholarship was funded by the generosity of the Umbro family in memory of two family members. Tony Umbro and his son Anthony. Tony came to this country at the age of 17, and in 1973 he started Umbro & Sons Construction Corp. with his wife Georgette as Office Manager. Later, their sons joined the business. Tony’s son Anthony went on to become President and General Manager of Umbro & Sons Construction Corp.