BMWED

2023 BMWED Scholarship Winners

Published: May 25 2023 10:46AM

Skylar Kipka attends North Central College where she studies Health Sciences with a Minor in Psychology. Skylar plays for the North Central College Cardinal’s Women’s Lacrosse team. She’s also involved in Women’s Choir, Student Club, and is an Event Coordinator for the Cardinal Dance Company. Skylar has always had a desire to work in the healthcare field. When on break from college, Skylar works in group homes for dementia patients. Skylar recently changed her career goal, originally planning to be a Physician’s Assistant, she now wants to utilize her skills by combining both the business/communications and healthcare field. Skylar is the daughter of BMWED member Gregory Kipka. Brother Greg is a member of BURNOR Local Lodge #1296 and is a Mobile Foreman at BNSF Railway. Congratulations Skylar!

Abigail Parker currently attends West Virginia University studying Biology with a minor in Business. She plans to pursue graduate studies at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, eventually obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery in General Dentistry. Her goal is to practice dentistry in her home state of West Virginia, where she intends to provide affordable dental care. Abigail was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Health Occupations Student of America in high school. She is proud to have volunteered in local food pantries and Toys for Tots while in school. She has held several jobs including dental assisting, lifeguarding, and babysitting. Abigail is the daughter of BMWED member, Jason Parker. Brother Jason is a member of Allied Federation Local Lodge #0130 and is a Water Service Maintainer for CSX-T. Congratulations Abigail!

Daniel Lagunas will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this year where he plans to get a degree in Accounting and Finance. Daniel is a Senior at Harold L. Richards High School where he was named Captain of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team. He is also a member of the school’s Business Professionals of America Program. Daniel has worked several jobs while in high school. He worked in the fast-paced environment of the food service industry. When he left that job to focus on his schoolwork and sports, Daniel did seasonal work in his neighborhood, mowing lawns and shoveling snow. Daniel aspires to be a Forensic Accountant when he graduates. Daniel is the son of BMWED member, Jose Lagunas. Brother Jose is a member of the United Passenger Rail Federation Local Lodge #0469 and is a Track Welder at Metra. Congratulations Daniel!

Meredith Johnston will be attending Pensacola State College this Spring where she plans to study Marine Biology with a concentration on marine safety and management. Meredith will be graduating Summa Cum Laude from Northview High School this year. Meredith currently works with her grandfather, a retired US Navy Master at Arms/Master Chief now working in HVAC repair. She has volunteered in the community with several programs such as Relay for Life, Byrneville Festivals, Daniel's Mission, Breakfast for the Barrows, and others. Meredith is the daughter of BMWED member John Johnston. Brother John is member of Allied Federation Local Lodge #0702 and works as a Carpenter for CSX-T. Congratulations Meredith!

Caytlin Lucas currently attends Edgerton High School and is an exemplary student. Caytlin is a member of the four-year Spanish Club, was selected for National Honors Society, and is a member of the school’s Prom Committee. When Caytlin graduates, she intends to enroll at Ohio State University where she would like to study something within the Chemistry/Medical field. Caytlin has worked several jobs including as a waitress and in lawn care maintenance. Caytlin is the daughter of BMWED member, Justin Lucas. Brother Justin is a member of American Rail System Federation Local Lodge #1363 and is a Welder at Norfolk Southern Railway. Congratulations Caytlin!

Rosa Rogers will attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in the Spring. Rosa plans to obtain an Associate of Science Degree and would like to transfer to Auburn University College of Agriculture for a degree in Agriculture Science. Rosa hopes to have a career in business. Her goal is to assist local farmers in learning techniques that would improve and modernize farming. Eventually Rosa would like to return to her family farm and take over the family cattle business, and perhaps one day open a farm-to-table or wedding venue business. Rosa has been an active and ambitious student. She is the President of the Woodmen Life Butler County Chapter where she has volunteered to provide food for local food pantries, organized events to honor first responders, and provided items needed to local nursing homes. She was also an Alabama Independent School Association Tennis 5th Seed Singles State Runner-Up. Rosa is the daughter of BMWED member Jason Rogers. Brother Jason is a member of Allied Federation Local Lodge #0702 and is a Track Inspector on CSX-T. Congratulations Rosa!