IBEW Local 15 President/Business Manager Chris Riser is pleased to announce the winners of the 16th Annual IBEW Local 15 Scholarship Award. Ten $1,000 Scholarships were awarded, one scholarship awarded as "The Billy Phillips Scholarship", after our late Vice-President, Billy Phillips.
Thank you to all the Local 15 Members, spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents who applied for the scholarship.
Congratulations to Winners! listed below.
The Billy Phillips Scholarship
Addison Duttlinger
Addison will be going to Saint Louis University, where she will be working towards a degree in nursing and furthering her education to receive a master’s degree, specializing in either pediatrics or anesthesia. In her essay she alluded to the many positive characteristics that have been instilled in her by her parents and recognizing those of the Union mirror those same values. Addison was very involved in sports and clubs at school, ultimately being able to play Division I softball. She is the daughter of Eric Duttlinger, a Chemistry Technician at LaSalle Station.
Congratulations Addison!
Samantha Reiter
Samantha is the daughter of Christina Reiter, a GSR out of Joliet. She will be attending Clemson University in pursuit of a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Samantha has been very involved in the community volunteering with Feed my Starving Children, Polar Plunge, Thornton Township Food Packing, Heroes and Helpers, among others. In school she excelled academically and was involved in numerous clubs, becoming a member of the National Honor Society.
Congratulations Samantha!
Thomas Morgan
Thomas Morgan is the son of Benjamin Morgan, an OH Electrician Specialist. He will be attending the Northwest Lineman College to take part in the Electrical Lineworker Program. In his essay, Thomas displayed an understanding of the IBEW, the benefits it provides and the peace of mind it has given in the past and into the future. In high school, he was active in athletics and participated in a variety of community efforts such as park district storm cleanup and recycling club, just to name a couple.
Congratulations Thomas!
Alberto Moreno
Alberto is attending Loyola University Chicago working towards a Biochemistry pre-med degree. His father is Alberto Mareno, a OH Electrician Specialist out of Crestwood. He is part of club baseball at the college. Alberto is also involved in the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Pathology for Students. From Alberto’s essay it is clear he recognizes the Union and its importance in the workplace, touching on the importance of solidarity, the fight for ever evolving safety improvements in the workplace and the stability it provides for its members.
Congratulations Alberto!
Nora Hammer
Nora Hammer is the daughter of Jason Hammer, a Senior Mechanic Nuclear at Byron Station. She will be attending Illinois State University to work on earning a degree in special education. While in high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, which includes leadership involvement and service activities in the school and community to positively impact others. She has a lot of community service experience volunteering at a few different community efforts. Nora was also on Student Council and the cheerleading team.
Congratulations Nora!
Marissa Barauskas
Marissa will be continuing her education at Elmhurst University, working her way towards a Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree. She has already graduated Summa Cum Laude from McKendree University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Biopsychology and a minor in Occupational Therapy, as well as the Honors Program. She has vast experience in her field and has worked with professionals conducting research on theories, of which she has two publications. In addition to the lengthy list of academic accomplishments she has spent a great deal of time volunteering in her community. She is the daughter of Brett Barauskas, Equipment Mechanic out of Bolingbrook.
Congratulations Marissa!
Eduardo Arias III
Eduardo is the son of Eduardo Arias, a Crew Leader Line at Chicago South. He will be attending Dawson Technical Institute where he will be participating in the Overhead Electrical Line Worker program. In his essay he displayed his thorough understanding of the Union and how it works, what it provides and how he has seen it impact his dad’s life in a positive way and so, how it impacted his own life. So much so that he has chosen the path he would like to take moving forward based off his personal experience.
Congratulations Eduardo!
Addison Gagliardo
Addison will be continuing her education at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee to attain a degree in Diagnostic Sonography. She has spent her free time as a medical assistant, assisting with patient care, vital signs and medical records. Addison also volunteers with Rhythm of the Youth, where she conducts free EKG’s for students to detect heart issues. Addison understands the mission of a union and recognizes its about far more than better wages; its about having a layer of protection when exercising rights in the workplace, from using vacation, voicing concerns about processes or safety, employment protection and countless more. Her father is Marc Gagliardo, a Sr. Maintenance Electrician over at Dresden Station.
Congratulations Addison!
Ann Ness
Ann Ness is the daughter of Thomas Karstrand, an Area Operator over at Chicago Loop Tech. She is attending Colorado State University for a degree in English education and Spanish. Ann has been a member of the National Honor Society, completing many hours of volunteer work which included working with members of the community, learning fundamental leadership skills and participating in initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of people in need. Ann is also a Ram Welcome Leader, mentoring incoming freshman classes. She is part of a few clubs, one being the French club, which she chose to join to sharpen her third language and immerse herself in the culture.
Congratulations Ann!
Madison Lynch
Madison will be pursuing a Psychology degree at Michigan State University. In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. She also founded the Advanced Placement Advisory Board at her high school. In her free time she took courses at Joliet Junior College and Lewis University to get a head start on her college education and earn credits. Madison allotted time to serve her community, participating in Habitat for Humanity, Feed my Starving Children and Sharefest Will County. Madison is the daughter of Sean Lynch, a Chemistry Technician at LaSalle Station.
Congratulations Madison!