A Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education student from Niskayuna who is forging a career in welding is the recipient of the Evan M. Schwarz Helping Hand Memorial Scholarship.
The $500 award was presented on Dec. 19 to Niskayuna High School student Athena Masse by the Schwarz family, teacher Don Mattoon and Career & Technical Education Center administrators.
Masse will attend the Kentucky Welding Institute in the summer and plans a career as a pipe welder. As a junior, she was inducted in the National Technical Honor Society thanks to her academic pursuits at BOCES.
“Athena is a good student who represented the program well at the state [SkillsUSA] competition as a junior last year, and she plans to pursue a career in the industry,” said Cosimo Tangorra, a CTE counselor who is involved with the Schwarz scholarship award each year.
During her nearly two years in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program, Masse learned American Welding Society standards and is earning certifications that are preparing her to work professionally.
“BOCES is a good program that puts you on the right track for a great career. I feel I am ready to go to the Welding Institute and get specific instruction that will lead to pipe welding,” said Masse.
The teenager said she was drawn to the industry by family members and a desire to not pursue a typical four-year college education.
“My grandfather welded, and I want to learn a trade instead of going to college, so welding was right for me,” she said.
Masse said she is excited to pursue her passion in the future, even if the industry is still largely male—with women making up less than 10% of the workforce.
“It’s a super lucrative trade, especially hitting hot spots, and it’s something I really enjoy,” Masse said.
Teacher Don Mattoon praised Masse’s work-ethic and skills.
“Athena has consistently demonstrated strong enthusiasm for welding and a deep commitment to hard work, perseverance and professionalism. She approaches each task with focus and determination, takes pride in the quality of her work and is always eager to develop her skills,” Mattoon said. “Her dedication to continuing her education in welding at a trade school after graduation reflects her long-term commitment to the trade. Her passion for welding makes her a highly deserving recipient of this scholarship.”
The Evan M. Schwarz scholarship was established in 2011 to honor Evan Schwarz, who studied welding at Capital Region BOCES while a Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School junior and senior, earned straight As and has been described by his former teacher Mike Todd as “highly motivated, artistic and caring — just the type of student you’d want to have in your classroom.” After graduation in 2006, Evan worked at the former Super Steel plant in Schenectady and earned membership in the ironworker’s union.
Evan Schwarz’s parents, John and Donna Marie Schwarz, present the award twice annually.
“We let the teachers and the students’ peers make the selection. Every year, they pick a wonderful selection, and this year is no exception,” said John Schwarz.
Through the Capital Region BOCES Welding and Metal Fabrication high school and adult education programs, students such as Masse are prepared to enter the workforce or go on for more advanced training at specialized technical schools or colleges. Students learn skills ranging from plasma arc cutting to shielded metal arc welding and earn a host of industry certifications.