4 Carpentry students at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center were each awarded $500.00 scholarships this afternoon at the 22nd Annual Forrest A. Pletcher Memorial Awards ceremony held on-center in the Carpentry trade building. 

The memorial scholarship award, in honor of Forrest A. Pletcher who was a skilled professional in the field of carpentry, is presented annually to select Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Carpentry students that exhibit similar qualities in life to that of Forrest A. Pletcher: Integrity, Skill, and Creativity.  Mr. Pletcher’s son, Charles Pletcher presented the scholarships to recipients William Duggar, Antonio Guinn, Brennan Jones, and Brandan Tonkin. 

Mr. DeCarto Draper, President of Draper Group USA was the special guest speaker at the event.  Mr. Draper has extensive knowledge of the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Carpentry program as he has employed many of the Carpentry students.  He shared with students the challenges he overcame and the importance of being on-time, complete, and correct when working in a construction trade. 

Immediately following the awards presentation, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Culinary Arts students served gourmet refreshments to the students, staff, and guests in attendance.