The secret to their success
The five students receiving Mary Johnston Scholarships this year highlighted how critical of a role the trucking industry has played in their lives.
All of the 2023 winners have a father who is an OOIDA member. For them, the hard work and dedication in their father’s trucking career and beyond will provide a lasting reminder as they work toward achieving their life goals.
Tadan Alvarado
Flatonia, Texas
The winner of this year’s $2,000 scholarship, Tadan Alvarado, son of OOIDA member Michael Alvarado, is the second member of his family to earn a Mary Johnston Scholarship.
His sister, Trista, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship last year.
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 plans to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic with hopes of reopening his late grandfather’s business.
“My grandpa had a business, and it closed after he passed on,” he said. “It’s my goal to reopen it and help keep our name in the business.”
This scholarship definitely came at a time of need, he said.
“The last couple of years have been hard for the family business due to COVID-19, diesel prices and inflation,” Tadan said. “It will really help out a lot. My dad works really hard, and I want to make him proud.”
Tadan will attend Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg, Texas.
$1,000 winners
Quenton C. Heisler
Humboldt, Kan.
Being respectful and true to your word were life lessons Quenton Heisler said his father, OOIDA member Kevin Heisler, stressed to him while growing up.
“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.”
Quenton plans to attend Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb., and pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.
William Pfister
Long Pine, Neb.
Watching the hours and energy spent on trucks by his father, OOIDA senior member Duane Pfister, won’t soon be forgotten by the younger Pfister.
“I have learned how to take care of trucks and keep up with the maintenance,” William said. “Being around trucking has shown me how to be organized and manage time. Finally, the trucking industry has given me a chance to meet more friends and family over the years.”
In addition to his father, William also thanked his mother and brother for all they’ve done for him.
William plans to major in machining and manufacturing automation and welding at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb.
Shoshana Keim
Warsaw, Ind.
Daughter of OOIDA member Bryan Keim, Shoshana Keim said the importance of family was reinforced by her father’s trucking career.
“Whenever my dad would be away from me and my mom on deliveries, especially when he would stay away from home overnight, I would miss him greatly, and he greatly missed us as well,” Shoshana said. “But he was doing what was required to earn a living for our family, which is something I’ll always be grateful for. It made me appreciate my family and all the sacrifices they made for our betterment.”
The challenges truckers face and the value of the work they do were other realizations Shoshana has come to over the years.
“Without generous scholarships, like the Mary Johnston Scholarship, I don’t believe I would be able to attend college as the financial burden would be too great,” Shoshana said. “This scholarship gives me peace of mind that I’m in the right place and others believe in me too.”
Shoshana, studying biochemistry at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., said her parents, Bryan and Connie, have been her biggest supporters.
“Without them, who knows if I would have been able to make it through my first year at Purdue, or even get to Purdue,” she said.
Morgan Gilbert
Eau Claire, Wis.
For Morgan Gilbert, daughter of OOIDA member Brian Gilbert, it was the times not missed that stick with her.
“A lot of times when the trucking industry is talked about, people may think of families being separated for long periods of time, which can emotionally affect them in a negative way,” Morgan said. “My family and I have been very fortunate to be able to see my dad almost every night of the week during his trucking career.”
Morgan, who’s enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and majoring in animal science, said her mother is “the glue that holds our family together.”
“She’s the one that pushes me to try new things even when I doubt myself and has been my biggest supporter through all the ups and downs in my life,” Morgan said. “Thank you for raising me to be the best person I can be, and I know as I tackle this journey to become a veterinarian you will be with me every step of the way.”
Jenna Young (alternate)
Leon, Iowa
Selected as this year’s alternate, Jenna Young, daughter of OOIDA member Josh Young, has been around the industry as long as she can remember.
“Being around trucking has had a big impact on my life,” Jenna said. “My dad has driven a truck since before I was born. I remember being so excited when he would come home every weekend after not seeing him for a week. When I turned seven, I was able to start traveling with him. Being able to see the country and what trucking is all about is what impacted me the most about my dad being in the trucking industry. I was able to experience firsthand what the trucking industry is and what it is like to be a trucker.”
Jenna is enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, and studying agribusiness.
Since the Mary Johnston Scholarship program was established in 1998, approximately $400,000 has been awarded to children, grandchildren and dependents of OOIDA members. LL