Scholarship Winners

2024-2025 Pipeliners Voluntary Fund Scholarships Awarded

The Pipeliners Voluntary Fund Scholarship Program is pleased to announce the following winners. These students successfully completed the scholarship program requirements and were selected as the highest-ranking applicants. The recipients were chosen by an independent evaluator that scored the applicants according to factors such as their grade point average, the difficulty level of their academic program, the strength of their recommendation letters, 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 51-year 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. Lauren is a sophomore at Michigan State University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Co-ed Fraternity, Empowering Women in Law, Spartans Rebuilding Michigan, and is active in Spartan Days of Service. In addition to being active at her school, Lauren has maintained a 4.0 GPA. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Lauren plans to attend law school. Once Lauren has obtained her degrees, she plans to pursue a career in either international or civil law, to fight for the people who need it most.

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 from 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 senior at Texas Wesleyan University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in history and criminal justice. Ariel’s dedication to excellence has earned her induction into four prestigious honor societies: Pi Gamma Mu, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Alpha Theta, and Tau Sigma. Her passion for learning and commitment to her academic goals continue to inspire those around her.

Jacob Brashear, of Barton, Maryland, is the son of 17-year Welder member Billie Brashear. Jacob graduated from Mountain Ridge High School in 2023 as a member of the National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars, with an additional 12 college credits from taking advanced courses. While in high school, Jacob participated in the orchestra and bowling team. Freshman year, he was a starter on the bowling team and became team captain for his senior year while also playing an important role in creating his high school yearbook. Jacob is currently attending Frostburg State University (FSU), where he was named to the dean’s list each semester he has attended. Outside of his classes, Jacob also works as a part-time team member at Chick-fil-A. Jacob intends on graduating a semester early in the winter of 2026 with his bachelor’s degree in secure computing and information assurance.

Natalie Briggs, of Wheeling, West Virginia, is the daughter of 18-year Helper member Andrew Briggs. Natalie is a dedicated student pursuing a double major in accounting and human resource management, with two minors: one in business ethics and prosperity and the other in international business. In addition to her academic achievements, she works full-time as a leasing professional, gaining valuable experience in real estate, financial operations, and customer relations. Her passion for global business is reflected in her involvement with study abroad programs and international consulting initiatives through GW-CIBER, where she engages in cross-cultural business problem-solving. She has also contributed to economic development research through the Kendrick Fellowship’s WV Prosperity Project, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing West Virginia’s economy. Beyond academic and professional work, Natalie has a deep appreciation for travel, reading, and nature. Her curiosity about different cultures and economic systems influences her approach to problem-solving and strategic decision-making. With a strong foundation in multi-disciplinary fields and ethical business practices, she aspires to drive sustainable economic growth and innovative solutions in both local and international markets.

Karoline Davis, of Spiro, Oklahoma, is the granddaughter of 59-year Welder member Bill Davis and the great-granddaughter of 44-year Welder member Jack Davis. Karoline graduated from Spiro High School in 2024 as the salutatorian of her class. Throughout high school, she was a devoted member of the Spiro FFA Chapter, serving as chapter secretary and earning the Chapter Star Farmer award and the State FFA Degree during her senior year. After high school, Karoline attended Connors State College, where she served on the Agriculture Division’s ambassador team. She graduated in May of 2025 with her associate’s degree in agriculture. Karoline will be transferring to Oklahoma State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education. Her ultimate goal is to become an agriculture education instructor in Oklahoma.

Raegan Dickess, of Chesapeake, Ohio, is the granddaughter of retired 56-year Welder member James (Sam) Melvin. Raegan attended South Point High School in South Point, Ohio, where she graduated in 2024 as the valedictorian of her class with a 4.0 GPA. In high school, Raegan took part in the yearbook club, the prom committee, and four years of varsity softball. She was also part of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Rho Kappa. She served as the Mu Alpha Theta vice president for one year and was elected sophomore class president. Raegan currently attends Ohio University Southern, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She plans to become a travel nurse for a few years and then pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner in women’s health.

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 (MLHS) 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 second-year student at Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences. She is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and serves as a BSPS Mentor for current BSPS students. Keegan has been admitted into the Early Assurance Program for Ohio State College of Pharmacy, 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 from high school, Joseph graduated summa cum laude from Frank Phillips College with an associate degree in science and was named to the president’s list in May 2023. Joseph is currently a senior at Texas Tech University, where he was named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2024 semester, and is on track to graduate summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in December 2025. Following graduation, Joseph plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, building on his long-standing commitment to health sciences and community service.

Isabella Henley was born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is the granddaughter of 54-year Welder member Otis John Dee Mason. Isabella graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA in the spring of 2022 and began attending the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in the fall of 2022. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her attendance. While at UCA, Isabella entered and won first place in UCA’s “WriteOn Essay Contest” and “InkWire Essay Contest.” She has also been a guest columnist for Truth Magazine. Isabella began nursing school in the summer of 2024 and was recently elected to be senior representative of the Student Nursing Association at UCA. Isabella is passionate about caring for people, especially children, and has accepted a position at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as a student nurse intern. She hopes to pursue a career in pediatric nursing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital once she graduates with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May of 2026. 

Hannah Masingale of Ozark, Arkansas, is the granddaughter of retired 38-year Welder member Jerry Ryan. Hannah graduated from Magazine High School in 2019 as class valedictorian with a 4.12 GPA. In high school, she was active in the Future Business Leaders of America, the National BETA Society, and several sports teams. After graduating from high school, Hannah received a full scholarship with the Myles Friedman Honors Program to the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2023. Currently, Hannah is in her second year pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy at the Arkansas College of Health Education in Barling, Arkansas, and has maintained a 3.73 GPA. Hannah is active in the Student Occupational Therapy Association and was selected to serve as a graduate scholar for the OT department. She also works as a research assistant and is currently exploring how photography can provide voice to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After graduating, Hannah aims to work with injured adults to rehabilitate them back to work and other occupations that make their lives whole.

Makenna Todd of Mandeville, Louisiana, is the granddaughter of 37-year Welder member Robert Humphries. Makenna is a rising senior at Louisiana State University majoring in natural resource ecology and management with a concentration in wildlife ecology. She is currently the vice president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha, a professional, agricultural, and social sorority that has helped her develop as a young professional. In the future, Makenna hopes to work on restoring Louisiana’s coastline and educating the public about sustainability and conservation.

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