Scholarship time
Since the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship program was established in 1998, approximately $400,000 has been awarded to children, grandchildren and dependents of OOIDA members.
Soon, another class of students will be awarded scholarships.
Eligible recipients have until Feb. 1 to apply for the 2024 scholarships.
Annually, OOIDA awards one $2,000 and four $1,000 scholarships. The students are selected in a blind evaluation conducted by the Scholarship Advisory Committee.
Scholarship awards are transferred directly to the student’s selected institution and can be renewed for a total of four years. The funds can be used for tuition or any legitimate school-related expenses. Applications and all required materials must be postmarked no later than Feb. 1.
To apply, students are asked to submit a 500-word essay on how a trucker has influenced their life, the way their educational goals resonate with their personalities and what changes could improve the trucking industry.
The 2023 winners focused on how their trucking fathers influenced their lives.
Tadan Alvarado of Flatonia, Texas, won the $2,000 scholarship. He is the son of OOIDA member Michael Alvarado.
He said the example his father set in trucking has left a lasting impact.
“My dad has always been there for me through the ups and downs,” Tadan said. “When I was little, he had to work a lot and missed out on things to provide for us. I didn’t realize how much he did for us until I got a little older. I’m proud of all he’s done for our family.”
Tadan said he plans to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic with hopes of reopening his late grandfather’s business.
The $1,000 scholarship winners included Quenton C. Heisler of Humboldt, Kan.; William Pfister of Long Pine, Neb.; Soshana Keim of Warsaw, Ind.; and Morgan Gilbert of Eau Claire, Wis.
“My dad taught me that respect only comes when you respect others,” Quenton said. “Be good to your word and do your best every day despite that situation you’re going through. A good portion of people don’t understand trucking, but one person doing their part can spread to many.”
The OOIDA scholarship program is available to children, grandchildren and legal dependents of OOIDA members. Members’ spouses and children over 22 years of age are not eligible.
Additional information about the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship can be found by emailing Andrew_King@OOIDA.com. LL