VDTA honors Jennifer Reichert & Ryan Barber as 2008 scholarship recipients

The VDTA is proud to announce that the 2008 VDTA/Epstein Scholarships have been awarded to Jennifer Reichert of Northbridge, MA, and Ryan Barber of Rosholt, WI.

These two students have demonstrated their love of sports, passion for community involvement, and strong leadership abilities.

The VDTA/Epstein Scholarship is awarded in two different categories. A top male recipient and a top female recipient were selected from all applications received. Jennifer and Ryan are now eligible to receive up to $10,000 over a period of four years if they meet the specific academic criteria outlined by the Vacuum and Sewing Dealers Trade Association.

Meet Scholar Jennifer Reichert
Jennifer Reichert is currently a senior at Northbridge High School in Whitinsville, MA. She is the daughter of Austin and Leslie Reichert. Leslie is the owner of Back Door Vacuum Shop in Uxbridge, MA.

Describing her daughter, Leslie said, "Jennifer is not only my daughter, but also one of my most dedicated employees. Since she has grown up in my store, she adds a very unique twist to our sales. There is nothing better than to hear her say she has grown up in the vacuum business and knows what is best based on her 17 years of experience. Jen is a very creative and gifted young woman. Along with being artistic, she is very athletic. She has played soccer since she was three years old and has become a very versatile player by mastering every position on the field. This year she was voted the captain of her high school varsity team, not only for her talent, but also for her values and ethics on and off the field. As the captain she showed

great leadership qualities and handled every situation with a positive attitude. She is also very dedicated to our family church. As her mother, I am very proud to have her as my daughter."

Jennifer's qualifications for receiving the scholarship far exceed the required minimums needed to meet the established criteria. She is a remarkable student as well as an exceptional role model.

Some of the high school activities Jennifer has participated in include Yearbook Committee, Foreign Language Club, Student Council, Varsity Indoor Track, Varsity Track, and Varsity Soccer. She's also been involved and active in the Northbridge Youth Soccer Association as well as the U-16 Massachusetts Association of Youth Soccer Champions. She has been an assistant teacher at Debbie's School of Dance, a youth leader for 10th Gear Christian Youth Cyclists, and nursery aid at Presbyterian Junior Church.

Speaking about Jennifer and her talents, J. Michael Shanahan (Guidance Counselor at Northbridge High School) stated, "Jen is a well-rounded, highly committed individual. She not only has been an active participant, but a leader in legions of school, church, and community activities. A talented athlete, Jen has played soccer and run both indoor and outdoor track at the varsity level, serving as co-captain in all three sports. She is a member of the Yearbook Committee, and for the past four years, has been a member of the Foreign Language Club. Her dedication to the Student Council is undeniable! Jen has been a tireless worker and leader in this highly service-oriented organization. Both in and outside of school, she has given of her time and talent to help others. This speaks volumes, I feel, about her as a person. To her credit, Jen has successfully balanced a rigorous academic schedule, athletics, activities, and a wide variety of after school work positions."

Jennifer's college of choice was undecided at press time. Her career objective, however, is to operate and manage her own building project. She said she hopes to work as a construction manager on project sites.

"Working in a hands on environment and being able to participate in projects is something I love to do," said Jennifer. "I am very good at managing group projects and working with all the different stages to get the job done. I am creative, flexible, and love working with people. I plan to improve on each of these aspects throughout my college career. Going to school for Construction Management or Civil Engineering will help me learn the materials, tools and management skills that are crucial when working in the construction field."

Jennifer added, "Construction Management is a job dominated by men and being a woman in the engineering field will be difficult. I plan on being in the top 10 percent of my class to prove that being a woman doesn't change anything in the engineering field. As a woman I will be able to excel. I have always loved challenging myself and Construction Management is a career that I am really passionate about. After receiving my degree, I will be able to work in the construction industry on residential, commercial and industrial projects. I plan on one day operating my own building project."

Meet Scholar Ryan Barber
Ryan S. Barber is currently a senior at Rosolt High School in Rosholt, WI. He is the son of Liza Barber and grandson of Norman Barber, owner of The Barber’s Shoppe in Stevens Point, WI.

Speaking of his grandson, Norman shared, "I am extremely proud of Ryan. From the time Ryan was a little guy, his friendliness, courtesy and intelligence, along with his willingness and desire to always do his very best came through. Ryan was elected class president as a freshman and homecoming king as a senior. He played basketball, ran cross country, and was active in school activities. Ryan studied hard for his grades and was always at the top of his class. During this past summer Ryan worked in my store doing everything I asked him to do and did it very well. Over the years I've had many summer helpers, but I can honestly say that Ryan, as a worker, was the smartest, most efficient, and dependable I've ever had."

Ryan's list of accomplishments is varied and lengthy. Academically, his grades impressively reflect dedication to his educational career. Proof of Ryan's academic prowess is in his very high grade point average, but that only speaks to a part of his ability. His reading and writing skills are excellent and that provides a strong base for the rigors of college curriculum.

Commenting on Ryan's academic strengths, his English Coordinator Ann Parker stated, "In Ryan's writing and in his verbal insights during class discussions, I see evidence of Ryan's maturity and understanding of people and the world around him. I also see Ryan as a good listener who respects other people's ideas."

Ryan has also been a leader in his school participating in many activities. During his high school career, he has participated in sports such as cross county, basketball, track and field, and he has been involved in academic groups such as National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, and Forensics.

Reflecting on his community involvement, Ryan said, "I have volunteered to sell concessions and help out our local "R Club." The "R Club" raises money to help pay for needed sports equipment, encourages school spirit and during Christmas time goes caroling throughout the town. This gives me an opportunity to give back to the people who have helped me become a better athlete and student."

Ryan has also assisted with his church Senior Graduation Breakfast and has participated in his community's blood drive and Bowl for Kids Sake event. And, on a unique note, Ryan has demonstrated humanitarianism through his own family's involvement with a Foster Care Program.

He explained, "Our family was part of the Foster Care Program for three years before adopting a special needs child named I'Breaona. After countless open adoptions with us, we were finally granted our wish. She has been with us for almost two years and we couldn’t be happier."

Ryan's goal is to complete his education and obtain a job with a decent salary that provides a challenging, ever changing environment. He said he would also like to work in a bigger city and be able to explore the "concrete jungle" -- something that he is currently unable to do, living in a small town.

"I always wanted to attend a well known school so that everyone would be proud of me; however, I've grown older and I've realized that I don't have to attend a brand name college to receive a worthwhile education," said Ryan. "I've now focused my sights on a bigger city college like UW Madison or University of Minnesota. I plan on majoring in pre-law studies and attending a graduate school to become a district attorney or even an assistant district attorney."

Ever since Ryan can remember, he said he has enjoyed watching television shows and reading books involving "puting away the bad guy." He shared, "I'm intrigued by standing in front of a room of people and doing my part to ensure justice."

The VDTA is proud to award the 2008 VDTA/Epstein Scholarship to Jennifer and Ryan and hope the scholarships will help them achieve their lofty goals.