Scholarship Winners

2023-2024 Pipeliners Voluntary Fund Scholarships Awarded

The George M. Lambert Scholarship Program is pleased to announce the following winners. These students completed the scholarship program requirements and were selected as the highest-ranking applicants. The recipients were chosen by an independent evaluator who scored applicants based on factors such as their grade point average, the difficulty of their academic program, the strength of their personal appraisal forms, and the overall assessment of their essays.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and to all our candidates who are expanding their opportunities through the pursuit of higher education. Thanks also go to our contributors to the Voluntary Fund, who have made this program possible.

Lauren Hart is the granddaughter of retired, 50-year Local 798 Welder member Tim Hart and his wife Vickie Hart. Lauren was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where she attended Mount Pleasant High School (MPHS). Lauren excelled at academics and sports and was active in many after-school activities. Lauren enjoyed playing varsity tennis, serving as co-captain her senior year. Lauren participated in Business Professionals of America (BPA), had a leadership role in her BPA chapter, and her team competed at BPA nationals during her junior and senior years. While at MPHS, she took numerous advanced placement and honor-level classes, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and graduated in 2023 with a 4.12 GPA. Lauren’s honesty and integrity are evident in everything she does. Currently, Lauren is a freshman at Michigan State University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in political science. She has become a member of Empowering Women in Law, Spartans Rebuilding Michigan, and is active in Spartan Days of Service.

Ariel Armstrong was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and is the granddaughter of Don and Betty Armstrong, long-time Local 798 members. Ariel graduated high school in 2021, receiving her diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Tarrant County College (TCC) with the highest honors. At TCC, she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and made the dean’s list three times. After high school, Ariel completed her second associate degree in biblical studies at Kenneth Copeland Bible College in May 2023 and was the valedictorian. Currently, she is a junior at Texas Wesleyan University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history

John Braford, born and raised in Colorado, is the grandson of retired 55-year Local 798 Welder member Stephen Bakkum. John attended Chaparral High School, where he maintained a 4.0 unweighted (4.3 weighted) GPA. He was an active member of his school’s National Honor Society, taking on an executive council member position. John was also involved in the Thespian Honor Society and was the light technician for the school’s shows. During high school, John pushed himself to take advanced placement and concurrent enrollment courses. Following graduation in 2023, he started as a sophomore-level student at the Colorado School of Mines. John maintains a 4.0 GPA in Mines’ Chemical Engineering program and intends to continue his education through the graduate program. In his free time, John enjoys participating in Mines’ chess and board game clubs as well as group fitness classes. After graduating, he hopes to find a career in sustainable fuel development and research to contribute towards the goal of a carbon-neutral Earth.

Abi DePriest of Tenaha, Texas, is the daughter of Colette and David DePriest and the granddaughter of Dianne and W.R. (Roland) Cross, a 64-year member of Local 798. Abi grew up riding horses and traveling to compete in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying across America and competed in shooting sports. Abi has participated in the Panola County Junior Livestock Show since third grade and raised the Grand or Reserve Grand Champion Broilers for nine years straight. She attended Carthage High School, where she participated in Future Farmers of America, varsity golf, National Honor Society, student council, and the Texas High School Rodeo Association, where she held leadership roles at the local and state levels. In May 2023, as a dual-credit high school student, Abi graduated in the top 10% of her class and was accepted into Texas A&M University Mays Business School, where she is pursuing a degree in finance. Abi is also a member of the Texas Aggie Rodeo team, where she competes in barrel racing. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school. Abi serves her community and church by volunteering her time towards several activities that benefit her community.

Keegan Duvall is the daughter of Kevin and Starr (Korner) Duvall and granddaughter of retired 59-year Welder member George B. Korner. Keegan is a 2023 graduate of Mountain Lakes High School in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. While at MLHS, Keegan was a 4-year letter winner and cheer team captain, a member of the Entrepreneurship Club (DECA), French Club, National Honor Society, and French Honor Society. She was also the recipient of the Bennet-Brand Scholarship. Keegan is currently a freshman at Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences. She is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and she serves as BSPS Ambassador for high school students interested in pursuing a degree in pharmacy and a BSPS Mentor for current BSPS students. Keegan has been admitted into the early acceptance program for Ohio State’s pharmacy school, where she intends to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Joseph Gaines, of Dalhart, Texas, is the son of Local 798 Business Agent Joe W. Gaines and grandson of the late Joe B. Gaines, a 798 Welder member. Joseph graduated with honors from Dalhart High School in May of 2023 with a health/science endorsement. While in high school, Joseph participated in varsity tennis, varsity powerlifting, student council and was elected student body president. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and served as vice president his senior year. Joseph amassed over 250 volunteer hours in high school, giving back to his community by helping at Snack Pack for Kids, Dalhart Rotary Interact Club, and Good Samaritan. Before graduating high school, Joseph graduated summa cum laude from Frank Phillips College with his associate degree in science and was named to the president’s list in May of 2023. Joseph currently attends Texas Tech University, where he was named to the dean’s list in the Fall of 2023 and is majoring in kinesiology, with an estimated graduation date of December 2025. Joseph plans to get his doctorate in physical therapy after completing his undergraduate degree.

Samantha Harold is the granddaughter of 62-year Welder member Theodore Harold. Samantha is currently a junior at Robert Morris University (RMU) studying criminal justice and pre-law. Throughout school, she has been on the dean’s list and a member of the Honor Society, Pre-Law Society, and is the junior conductor for the Robert Morris Marching Show Band. An achievement Samantha is most proud of is being able to study international law in Italy for half of the summer in 2024. Outside school, she works part-time as a barista and trainer at Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks. Samantha is also involved in the community as a member of the Bedford County Fair Queen Court, spreading knowledge of agriculture and community throughout her hometown and surrounding vicinities. After graduating from RMU, Samantha plans to attend law school to study constitutional law, eventually obtaining her doctorate in international law. She plans to use her degrees and experience to pursue a career in government and be a voice for rural towns across the country.

Aubrey Leonards is the granddaughter of Deborah Chapman, a 26-year Local 798 Helper member, and Buster Chapman, a 56-year Local 798 Welder member. Aubrey is a 2018 graduate of Waskom High School in Waskom, Texas. She was a varsity swimmer and continued her competitive swimming at South Georgia State College, where she completed her associate degree in health and human performance in 2020. During Aubrey’s time at South Georgia State College, she received Academic All-American athlete recognition for both years she attended. In 2022, Aubrey obtained her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Louisiana Monroe. In August 2023, she was accepted into the University of Central Arkansas and began her journey toward completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2026. Aubrey looks forward to making a difference for others as a physical therapist.

Victoria Rocha is the proud granddaughter of retired Local 798 member Esteban Duarte, whom she dearly calls “Abuelito.” As a first-generation college graduate, Victoria is also a dedicated learner and aspiring educator passionate about post-secondary education counseling and student development. Victoria’s academic journey and life experiences have allowed her to create opportunities for herself, including graduating in 2020 from the University of California, Irvine, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in education. Victoria is pursuing a master’s degree in college counseling and student development at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California.

Jakob Sweany is the grandson of Local 798 retiree Rusty Evens, a long-time Welder member. Jake graduated from Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, in 2022 and is currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University (OSU). While at OSU, Jake has consistently excelled academically, maintaining a 3.7 GPA and earning a place on the dean’s list each semester. His commitment to academic achievement is complemented by his involvement in extracurricular activities, including being a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. As a Kappa Sigma member, Jake has contributed to the community by participating in several philanthropic events. Jake has set his sights on graduating from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in management information systems, reflecting his interest in both technology and business management. Looking ahead, Jake plans to pursue a master’s degree with an emphasis in information assurance.

Kimberly Tomlinson is the daughter of 38-year Local 798 Welder member Jimmy Tomlinson. Kimberly graduated from Brock High School in Brock, Texas, in May 2023. During high school, she was a part of the varsity girls basketball team, the National Honor Society, and the FCA. Throughout high school, Kimberly also participated in the FFA skills team and showed pigs in ninth grade. Kimberly recently completed her freshman year at Texas Tech University, studying energy commerce, with an estimated graduation in 2026. After graduating from Texas Tech, she plans on working in the oil and gas industry. Since most of Kimberly’s family works in this industry, she is very thankful she gets to follow in their footsteps.

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2018-2019

2017-2018