NEWS IN BRIEF
BAC Announces 2021 U.S. Bates Scholarship Recipients
T
hanks to the 2021 US Bates Scholarship program, six college-bound students from BAC families will be receiving a little help. Each year, BAC awards three scholarships to the students of parents or step-parents who are BAC members in the US. The stipends are $5,000 per year for up to four years—up to $20,000 total. The program, previously administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), has been redesigned and is now administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS). Due to an overlap in administration, there are six recipients of this year’s scholarship. We sat down with the three winners of the program administered by NMSC to get a peek into what the honor means to them. The other three winners through the program administered by ISTS will be announced at a later date and featured in our next BAC Journal.
ZACHARY DUCHARME Attending: Northeastern University Major: College of Engineering Family/IU Info: Todd DuCharme, BAC Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island
What does this recognition mean to you? It’s an honor to have been selected as one of the winners among a vast pool of talented individuals. I am appreciative of the scholarship, but also of the spotlight that it shines on a very dedicated and hard-working group of men and women in the Bricklayers Union community. What does the Union mean to you and your family? The Union is like a supportive family; it gives each member the job security and confidence that they will 12 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
be protected and cared for by others within their community. They are dedicated to their work and their families. These are important core values to me moving forward into the collegiate and working world of co-op at Northeastern University. What advice would you offer your peers and younger students? Ambition can get you a long way. It really doesn’t feel like work if you really want something.
Zachary DuCharme and his father Todd DuCharme, a member of BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? Don’t worry about solving the problem—have an open mind and be concerned about the progress toward a solution that may change our views. Who would you like to give a shout-out to? My AP Physics teacher Mr. (Alan) Chuckran, and my AP Calculus teacher and internship mentor, Dr. Cummings. I’d also like to give thanks for all the support of my friends and family
ELISSA SCHEEL Attending: Gannon University Major: Occupational Therapy Family/IU Info: Robert Scheel, BAC Local 5 Ohio
What does this recognition mean to you? It is an opportunity. With this financial assistance, I will be able to attend the college of my choice, while pursuing my dream of becoming an occupational therapist.
