2026 MRCA Foundation Scholarship Recipients
The MRCA Foundation is proud to recognize the following scholarship recipients and support their continued education and professional development.
Blake Bowmaker
Eaton Roofing & Exteriors, Wichita, KS
Blake Oberle
Roof Tech, Inc., Stillwater, MN
Chase Taylor
R. Adams Roofing, Indianapolis, IN
David Weiser
Everest Systems, LLC, La Porte, TX
Fin Boots
SPEC Building Materials, Dallas, TX
Hallie Lemmon
Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal, Wheeling, WV
Jacob Victor
Peterson Roofing, Mount Prospect, IL
Kacie Learman
Korellis Roofing Inc., Hammond, IN
Kurt Krueger
TRUFAST, Bryan, OH
Omar Diaz
G.E. Riddiford Co., Arlington Heights, IL
Pamela Raney
CIDAN Machinery Group, Peachtree City, GA
Santino Pape
Ross Roofing, Portage, IN
Sydney Baxter
O'Hara's Son Roofing, Chicago, IL
Trista Oberle
Roof Tech, Inc., Stillwater, MN
Viviana Bahena
Ridgeworth Roofing Co., Inc., Frankfort, IL
Zachary Richards
Academy Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Des Moines, IA
The Gwaltney Family Scholarship
The Gwaltney Family was an active part of the leadership of the MRCA right up until Kevin’s passing on January 29, 2023. Kevin, Rick, and Mark Gwaltney all stood for education and supported elevating the level of professionalism in the roofing industry. They had a strong belief in self-improvement through education and training.
The Gwaltney Family was also a strong supporter of the Annual MRCA Foundation Auction, which raises funds for scholarships. The MRCA Executive Board felt this dedication should be memorialized by designating one MRCA Foundation Scholarship each year in the name of the Gwaltney Family.
Congratulations to the 2026 Recipient
Emmett Hartmann
Garlock Equipment Co., Plymouth, MN
Mark Your Calendar
2027-2028 Scholarship Applications Available
OCTOBER 1, 2026
Scholarship applications for the 2027-2028 school year will be available beginning October 1.
Congratulations to All of Our Recipients!
We hope to see you at the 2026 MRCA Leadership Summit.
MRCA Foundation Scholarship Program
The MRCA Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association. One purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial assistance to MRCA member company employees and their families pursuing higher education at an accredited university or trade school.
Eligibility
Candidates must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a trade school, college, or university, or a high school senior provisionally accepted at an educational institution and expressing intent to pursue a degree or certified trade program with at least a 3.0 GPA or B average equivalent.
Scholarship Awards
The number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded by the MRCA Foundation will be determined by the MRCA Foundation Board of Directors.
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit the following to be considered for a scholarship award:
- A fully completed application.
- Proof of being associated with an active MRCA member company.
- A written statement from the educational institution indicating provisional acceptance of the student.
- Official transcripts showing at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Two letters of recommendation from persons at least 18 years of age who are not related to the candidate. Only one may come from a Director of MRCA, and none may come from a Director of the MRCA Foundation.
- A typed essay of no more than one page explaining the applicant’s interest in their field of study and the steps taken to pursue that goal, including relevant honors, activities, or employment.
If it is determined that AI was used to create your essay, you will be automatically disqualified.
Selection
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of academic performance, employment experience, financial need, letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated desire to pursue higher education. All applicants will be notified in writing by the Directors, and the award will be mailed to the specified school.
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