Many 2008 dues checks came in with scholarship donations. Donations can be sent to the MWFA office at any time, just be sure to indicate “scholarship donation” on your check. We hope to exceed last year’s scholarship awards with the support our members’ donations and events.

Thank you to those who have contributed so far for 2008:

At the November 1st meeting, the Mid-West Fastener Association, for the 24th year, awarded their annual scholarships. This program began as an experiment and grew into a very successful program awarding nearly $400,000.00 over the years. Scott Mackay, Chicago 94.7 radio personality, was the featured guest speaker at this year's event. Scott told great stories of his
experiences in radio but most importantly expressed to attending students to follow their dreams. Scott knew he wanted to be a radio personality since the age of four but had to experience the trials and tribulations of the industry before achieving his goal in a big
city.

For several years, XL Screw has funded a scholarship in memory of one of their employees; Gail Petris. This tradition continues as we remember Gail. Gail was very active in the MWFA as well as serving on the Board of directors, the fastener industry and a valued
employee by XL. She is fondly missed but even more fondly remembered each year as a special student receives the award in Gail's memory. We were fortunate enough to have Gail's parents, Shirley and Don Caplan, and husband-Bob Petris join us to award the scholarship to this year's recipient. The association is very appreciative of XL's generous donation.

We also thank Federal Screw and ND Industries for funding a scholarship this year.

The following students were selected to receive this year's scholarships:

Many members have donated to the MWFA Fund with their 2007 dues payment. Donations can be sent to the MWFA office any time, just be sure to indicate “scholarship donation” on you check.

We thank these members and hope to see great participation in the scholarship program this year!

Abbott-Interfast Corp.
Action Threaded Products
Addison Pkg.
Albany Steel & Brass
All Fasteners
Allstar Fasteners
Arlington Fastener
Aztech Locknut
Beacon Fasteners & Components
Big Bolt
Bill Sr.
Brico Industries
Brighton-Best Socket Screw
Certified Products
Chase Bank
Chem-Plate Industries

On November 2nd the MWFA awarded their annual scholarships for 22nd year. With this year’s $27,500 awarded, scholarships awarded by the MWFA is nearing $400,000. Member companies employees and employee’s children are eligible for these annual scholarships on a one time basis. For several years, XL Screw has funded a scholarship in memory of one of their employees; Gail Petris. Gail was very active in the MWFA, the fastener industry and a valued employee by XL. She is fondly missed but even more fondly remembered each year as a special student receives the award in Gail’s memory. We were fortunate enough to have Gail’s parents, Shirley and Don Caplan, and her sister Sharon Maslov join us to award the scholarship to this year’s recipient. The association is very appreciative of XL’s generous donation.