AVRWC donates $7.5k for scholarships (Jun. 27, 2015)
Water company, High Desert Underground contribute to Scott Weldy SCADA scholarships
APPLE VALLEY — Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company and High Desert Underground announced on Thursday a donation of $7,500 to Granite Hills High School for Scott Weldy System Control and Design Academy scholarships.
Scott Weldy was a 17-year employee of and former vice president and general manager of Ranchos, according to a news release, with a passion for the water industry who worked closely with SCADA teachers and was instrumental in developing the program and curriculum. He died in 2014.
Scott led the way for the rest of us to follow and that’s why High Desert Underground is pleased to take part in funding this important work to create opportunities for our students,
said Derrick Sandwick, owner of High Desert Underground.
Scott was a technical engineer and loved communicating with people, especially students, about the complexities of operating a water system like the one at Ranchos,
said Terri Brown, SCADA coordinator at Granite Hills High School. In fact, the idea for SCADA began with Scott and next year we expect to have 160 students enrolled in the academy.
A ceremony with Ranchos employees and Granite Hills principal, Chuck McCall and SCADA Academy coordinator, Terri Brown, took place on the one year anniversary of Scott’s death.
Scott was always looking for ways to give back to the community of Apple Valley and was passionate about the education of young people and providing them opportunities and I know he would be thrilled to be remembered in this way,
said Kim Weldy, Scott’s wife.
SCADA is directed to students looking for a hands-on approach to learning and career application. The scholarships will go to graduating seniors at GHHS, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. They’ll be awarded to graduates who’ve completed the SCADA curriculum and intend to pursue higher education or a vocation in engineering, environmental science or a technical position within the water industry.
The partnership with local businesses like High Desert Underground and Ranchos is giving these students the opportunity to become productive members of the community and that is one of our goals for this program,
McCall said.
We’re proud of Scott’s legacy to this community and the young people at GHHS and we are hopeful many of these students will consider a career in the water industry,
said Tony Penna, Ranchos’ vice president and general manager. This $7,500 donation is a good start, but Derrick and I hope other local businesses will consider making donations to SCADA at GHHS.
Source: Charity Lindsey, Daily Press