On November 5th the MWFA proudly awarded $17,000 in scholarships. They’ve awarded over $300,000 since the program’s introduction. Thank you to all the donors throughout the year whom made these awards possible.

Ron Kittle, former Chicago White Sox player, was on hand to address the audience. His entertaining stories of his days and experiences as a ball player were most interesting. But his strongest message was his advice to students to not give up on trying accomplishing goals. He reminded the students, as well as everyone else; it may mean taking chances but be willing to take chances to get to reach your goals.

Thank you to our Scholarship Committee: Henry Chernow/MAE Specialties, Glen Brin/Innovative Components and Wayne Wishnew/XL Screw Corp. for all their time, efforts and dedication to this committee.

The MWFA congratulates the following students on receiving scholarships:

Tom Seal Memorial Scholarship $1,700

Funded by MWFA, Arlington Fastener, Bob O’Brien Family, World Washer, and the Glen Brin Family. This scholarship was given in memory of Tom Seal of Arlington Fastener, past board member, and fastener industry veteran who passed away in 2009.

Colleen O’Connor daughter of Mike and Carol O’Connor of Innovative Components

Colleen is in her senior year of High School researching the college which will be her best fit for studies in Psychology. She has excelled academically throughout H.S. as well as has received several writing awards. This is no surprise as to the enjoyable essay she presented with her application. Her life has prepared her for her journey to pursue Psychology through the doctorate level. She hopes to help people feel more satisfied with their lives as a lack of fulfillment in an overwhelming illness in this country.

XL Screw Corp. Scholarship $1,500

Kaitlin Conway daughter of Daniel Conway of Foremost Fastener

Kaitlin is a freshman at DePaul University. She spent her H.S. years being very active in sports, academic groups and volunteer work. While doing all of this, Kaitlin maintained a 4.2 GPA. Before entering DePaul she already had the opportunity to be involved in DePaul’s Best Buddies program which she now is an officer and leader of. She has enjoyed working with those with disabilities for years now and plans to continue so when she pursues a career.

Dr. Arthur and Lois Marc Scholarship (Federal Screw) $1,500

Afsa Papa daughter of Abdul Papa of SWD Inc.

Afsa is currently in her second year at Chicago Medical School. She completed her undergrad at the University of Illinois/Chicago where she graduated in the top 5% of her class. Afsa is working on her M.D. and next year will begin working on her M.H.S.A. degree. Her plans are to specialize in the internal medicine with most of her interest towards cardiology and endocrinology. Afsa’s move to the United States, only a few years ago, has helped her learnt to change and adapt to a different environment as necessary.

$1,000 MWFA Scholarships

• Kristen Wlodek daughter of Wojciech Wlodek of Acme Screw Co.

  Kristen is currently a senior at Loyola University where she has completed the Pre-Medicine curriculum and is adding a minor in Biology and Polish Studies. Kristen is a very active student at Loyola as she participates as a board member on the Student Community Board and as an executive member in Best Buddies. She is beginning to focus on graduate school with hopes of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology and later opening her own practice.

• Kimberly Gurevitz daughter of Deborah Gurevitz of XL Screw

  Kimberly is currently a senior at Mundelein H.S. with plans to go on to the university of Illinois/Chicago. Kimberly plans to study pre-dentistry. She has been busy with H.S. academics as well as student coaching cheerleading and student leadership for three years.

• Christine Loschiavo daughter of Todd Loschiavo of Arlington Fastener

  Christine is currently a freshman at University of Wisconsin/Madison where she is studying Actuarial Science. She concluded H.S. with a 4.0 GPA and now moves on to her college goals of graduating from UW Madison School of Business.

• Chase Silverstein son of Douglas Adams EFC Int’l

  Chase is a senior at Marquette H.S. is still researching college options. He plans to go into sports management. He looks forward to a successful occupation in the world of sports allowing him work in a field he enjoys most.

• Samantha Quintanar daughter of Roman Quintanar of Kanebridge Co.

  Samantha is a freshman at Whittier College studying English Literature and Theater. She has always been an active member of her community and school. After college Samantha plans to teach and give back to the community and help spread her message of the importance of art in schools.

• Jason Neumann son of Dennis Neumann of American Fasteners and Components

  Jason is currently a senior at Jacobs H.S. where he has excelled academically and musically. He has also played on the hockey and golf team. He is currently pursuing colleges to study audio arts acoustics and sound design as well as music performance and/or education. He has enjoyed music since fourth grade and looks forward to a career involving music.

• Kelsey Bodine daughter of Brent Bodine of Innovative Components

  Kelsey is currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago. Kelsey is a very active 19 year old who enjoys friends, two jobs, classes year round, spending time with her niece and nephew. She is studying psychology with a minor in Sociology and Crime, Law and Justice. After graduation Kelsey plans to pursue a career in social work or child therapy.

• Blake Rhoden son of Connie Rhoden of American Bolt Corp.

  Blake is currently attending Waukesha County Technical College pursing Tool and Die Making. Blake has an interest in precision metal working because it requires skill and years of education and training. He really enjoys the CNC because the numerous things they can do. But what he enjoys most is the challenge and interest in manual machining such as an engine lathe or milling machine. He looks forward to a career as a tool maker.

• Hilary Osiecki daughter of Linda Osiecki of Porteous Fastener

  Hilary is a sophomore at Milliken University where she is pursuing a major in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. She graduated H.S. with an ongoing list of awards and activities and has already begun that same trend at Milliken. Hilary plans are to pursue a career in Public Relations hopefully in the fashion or entertainment industry.

• Jessica Stoczanskyj daughter of Jerry Stoczanskyj of Beacon Fasteners and Components

  Jessica is High School senior pursuing her college options for Nursing. She is currently President of Key Club, as well as involved in other clubs. She especially enjoys helping others through her volunteer work which attributed to her passion of becoming a nurse. After nursing school Jessica plans to become a hospice nurse.

• Kayla Zawislak Daughter of Anthony Zawislak of SWD Inc.

  Kayla is a junior at Northern Illinois University pursuing a degree in Education. She has enjoyed volunteer work since H.S. with her most recent venture being volunteering for a Clothing Closet and food Pantry. She plans to eventually earn her master’s degree in Special Education.

• Andrew Shepherd son of Alan Shepherd of EFC Int’l

  Andrew is High School senior with plans to go on to the University of Missouri, Columbia to pursue an education in the field of business. He has been involved in academic clubs, music and the tennis team in High School.