A. O. Smith has partnered with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation to award scholarships to five students in pursuit of careers as plumbing and mechanical professionals.

The Charlie Wallace Service Scholarship and A. O. Smith Scholarship are $2,500 individual awards given to top-performing students enrolled in a PHC-related course of study. 

Charlie Wallace Service Award Scholarships

This is the second year A. O. Smith and PHCC have partnered to fund the Charlie Wallace Service scholarships, named after the former COO of PHCC Quality Service Contractors who served as a prominent leader in the industry for 17 years.

This year’s winners are Grace Brekke of Oakland, Calif., and Elpidio Arroyo of Santa Ana, Calif.

Brekke is studying construction management at California Polytech State University, San Luis Obsipo. She plans to use the PHCC scholarship to become a project manager at a construction company.

Arroyo is studying plumbing installation and repair at PHCC Orange County/San Bernardino Apprentice School. He plans to use his education to become up-to-date with the laws, regulations, codes and technology affiliated with the plumbing trade.

A. O. Smith Scholarship Awards

This is the 14th year for the A. O. Smith Scholarship Award. This year’s award winners are Ronald Butkus of Wausau, Wis.; Travis Durkee of Poway, Calif.; and Isaia Ferarita of Riverside, Calif.

Butkus is studying plumbing installation, service and repair at North Central Technical College in Wausau. After the program, he plans to pursue a journeyman plumber certification and open an independent plumbing and mechanical business.

Durkee is studying plumbing installation, service and repair at the PHCC San Diego. He intends to become a master plumber and transition into a management position.

Ferarita is studying plumbing installation, service and repair at PHCC Orange County/San Bernardino Apprentice School. With the PHCC scholarship, he plans to become certified as a plumber and become a city inspector.

“It is truly an honor to work with such intelligent, driven and ambitious students,” said David Chisolm, vice president of marketing at A. O. Smith. “We are proud to sponsor a scholarship that strengthens the industry by supporting highly qualified students entering a career in the trades.”

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