Scholarship Winners

Ariel Armstrong was born and raised in North Central Texas, 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. She is completing her second associate degree in biblical studies at Kenneth Copeland Bible College (KCBC) and will graduate in the spring of 2023. After graduating from KCBC, Ariel plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in political science.

Brayden Better, the son of Welder member Joseph Better, was born in Arizona. In middle school, he moved to Ohio, and from eighth grade until his junior year, he ran cross country and track, lettering and receiving Academic All-Conference each year for each sport. Brayden grew up riding dirt bikes, so he finished high school a semester early to pursue motocross training, competing at the Loretta Lynn Amateur National in 2020. Since starting at Ohio State University, Brayden has made the dean’s list each semester. Majoring in accounting for his love of math and numbers, he plans on obtaining his CPA and hopes to own a firm one day to help people save money and put them in the best situation financially. Brayden also plans on minoring in real estate and would like to use his accounting knowledge to own rental properties and have a profitable portfolio.

Lane Foret is the grandson of 22-year Local 798 Welder member Terry Adams. Born and raised in Schriever, Louisiana, Lane graduated from H.L. Bourgeois High School in 2020 as a salutatorian with a 4.0 GPA. He served as the senior class vice president and was a Student Council and National Honor Society member. Lane now attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a junior, consistently maintaining a 3.6 GPA. He majors in political science with a minor in computer science and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. After graduating, Lane plans on obtaining a contracting job in cyber security to eventually go to law school and become a legal consultant. One day, Lane would like to retire as a teacher to educate and lead the next generation of students.

Kayla Fox is the daughter of 25-year Welder member Bryan Fox. She has excelled academically and is pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy at Bowling Green State University. She graduated with honors from Stephen F. Austin State University with a double major in history and philosophy. Kayla also holds a master’s degree in history from Utah State University. Alongside her studies, she has gained experience as a freelance editor, tutor, and teaching assistant. Kayla’s passion lies in becoming a professor and teaching college students critical thinking, analytical skills, and the interdisciplinary benefits of philosophy.

Samantha Harold is the granddaughter of 61-year Local 798 retired Welder member Ted Harold. Samantha grew up in Bedford, Pennsylvania, attending Robert Morris University (RMU). Throughout her time at RMU, she has been a part of the honors program, marching show band, concert band, winter guard, bowling team, and Pre-Law Society. Samantha was recently inducted into the early law school application program to expedite obtaining her degree. She was newly elected as the Jr. Conductor for the upcoming 2023-2024 marching show band season.

Brendyn Harris is the grandson of Journeyman member Lesley Harris. Brendyn is currently a junior at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), majoring in political science and on track for pre-law. He is a member of the university’s men’s club basketball team and has made the dean’s or chancellor’s list each semester he’s attended Ole Miss. Brendyn plans to carry on this success as he practices contract law.

Hope Hartle of Rose Bud, Arkansas, is the daughter of Kim Hartle and Local 798 Business Agent Todd Hartle. Hope graduated from Rose Bud High School with high honors in 2020. She was a varsity basketball, volleyball, and softball team member, a member of the National Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, 2020 class secretary, and co-editor of the Rambler yearbook. Hope received two associate degrees from Arkansas State University Beebe in May of 2022: an Associate of Science in liberal arts and sciences and an Associate of Science in health science. She also received a technical certificate in pre-health care studies. In April 2022, Hope was accepted as one of 13 out of over 60 applicants into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). As well as being a full-time student, Hope works as a non-registered ultrasound tech at a local hospital. She serves her community and church by volunteering her time towards several activities that benefit her alma mater and small town. While attending UAMS, she was inducted into the Arkansas Chi Chapter of Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. Hope plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in diagnostic medicals in the spring of 2024.

Makena Klubek of New Strawn, Kansas, is the granddaughter of Paula Grace and 56-year Welder member Tommy Grace. In May 2022, as a dual-credit high school student, Makena graduated summa cum Laude from Burlington High School, earning her diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Allen Community College. While in high school, Makena participated in volleyball for four yeas and held leadership roles in various clubs. She was an FBLA, FCA, FCCLA, National Honor Society, and Spanish club member. In Makena’s senior year, she and other students formed a new club, Mind over Matter (MOM). The club focused on young teens’ mental health and well-being, and she represented the club as the student council representative. Makena was both a Kansas Scholars Curriculum and NCAA Curriculum Completer and was awarded the KSHSAA Distinguished Scholastic Achievement in volleyball, basketball, and student council. She was also awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence. Makena attended Bri’s Dance Studio for 12 years and competed for six years, receiving numerous awards. She was also a member of the Stringtown Bombers 4-H for ten years and qualified to compete at the state level each year. Makena attends the University of Kansas and earned honor roll Distinction for fall 2022. She plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science and then pursue admission to an anesthesiology program.

Elisa Langone is the daughter of Anthony Langone, an 8-year Welder member of Local 798. She grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Arizona during high school, staying in-state ever since. In May of 2023, Elisa completed her senior year at the University of Arizona, majoring in animal science and minoring in biochemistry, and graduated cum laude. While attending this university, Elisa joined the Arizona Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi. In addition to being a full-time student, Elisa works numerous hours as a veterinary technician, has achieved a 3.5 GPA, and has been on the dean’s list multiple times. After graduation, Elisa plans to continue her academic career by applying to veterinary school.

Katie Smith is the daughter of 26-year Welder member Clayton Smith and Jamie Smith of Foreman, Arkansas. She was a 2020 graduate of Foreman High School, where she was co-valedictorian. Katie was inducted into the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta during high school. She was also a Gator cheerleader for five years and was recognized as an All-American cheerleader twice. Katie was a Foreman FFA horse judging team member, competing successfully at district and state levels. Katie grew up riding horses and competed in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying in several local high school rodeo associations. She is a pre-vet major at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) in Magnolia. At SAU, Katie is a member of Sigma Alpha, serving as secretary while being on the Honor Society of Delta Tau Alpha. Recently, Katie was accepted into the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine for the Fall 2023 semester.