ROCKLAND — Steel-Pro Incorporated, a manufacturer in the stainless steel pressure vessel industry, announces the recipients of the first annual Steel-Pro's Welding Student Scholarship.

Samantha Jones, of Washington, and Thomas Bradley, of Stockton Springs, were recognized on June 20 in front of their families and Steel-Pro Employee Owners for their exceptional achievements and commitment to excellence in the field of welding.

The Steel-Pro Welding Student Scholarship, awarding $1000 per recipient, was established to support promising students in their pursuit of higher education and to encourage their continued dedication to the welding profession.

“This scholarship not only serves as a recognition of the recipients' outstanding talent but also as an investment in the future of the welding industry,” said Steel-Pro, in a news release.

“Samantha and Thomas have exhibited exceptional skill, passion, and a relentless drive for excellence in their welding studies,” said Steel-Pro. “Their commitment to their craft and unwavering determination to expand their knowledge and expertise have truly set them apart from their peers. The selection committee was highly impressed by their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to their chosen field.”

Samantha is a new graduate of Portland High School and will be attending Eastern Maine Community College. Recent honors of Samantha’s are earning “Student of the Quarter for Welding 2022-2023” as well as being a Presenter at Maine Youth Leadership Conference in Bath. Her future plans are “to achieve the goals that I have set for myself. I want to pass the certifications that I have planned. I want to be able to work for a welding company to get my foot in the door of my dream. I want to start building up my welding career.”

Thomas just completed his first year at Eastern Maine Community College where he is studying Welding Technology. Thomas is also a current Employee Owner of Steel-Pro Incorporated. His other achievements include involvement as an Eagle Scout, being a member of the National Technical Honor Society, receiving Dean’s List at EMCC, and volunteering on the Stockton Springs Fire Department, Stockton Harbor Sailing Center, and the Stockton Springs Community Builders. His future plans are “to achieve (his) associates degree in welding technology at Eastern Maine Community College and continue working at Steel-Pro.”

"We are so proud to award the Steel-Pro Welding Student Scholarship to Samantha and Thomas," said Steve Ladd, President-Employee Owner of Steel-Pro Inc. "Their hard work, talent, and dedication to the field of welding are truly inspiring. It is our honor to support them on their educational journey and contribute to their future success."

The Steel-Pro Welding Student Scholarship was established as part of Steel-Pro Inc.'s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the welding industry. By investing in the education and development of talented students like Samantha and Thomas, Steel-Pro Inc. aims to contribute to the continued advancement of the welding field and ensure a bright future for the industry.