Hoffa Scholarship recipient Emma Williams with her sister, Maddie Williams (far left), father Jason, and mother Wendy.
Teamsters 856 is thrilled to announce that nearly $20,000 in Teamster scholarships have been awarded to the daughters and sons of 856 members. The scholarships come from a variety of sources, including the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship, the Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarship, and the Harry Polland/Robert Morales Joint Council 7 Scholarship.
“I was really excited and surprised when I found out that I won — I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Emma Williams, who is one of the James R. Hoffa Scholarship recipients. Williams is the daughter of 856 Member and San Bruno Firefighter Jason Williams. “It’s really great to know that there are organizations out there that help people like me with the cost of schooling because it can get so expensive.”
Emma, who will be attending Sacramento State University this fall, plans to pursue a career in nursing. “Growing up I saw how hard my parents worked to support me and my sister, and I’ve always aspired to be like them,” she said.
Michelle Keung participated in many extra-curricular activities in high school, including band and the varsity swim team.
Michelle Keung, the daughter of United Airlines Member Daniel Keung, shares Williams’ sentiment. “Seeing how much my parents sacrificed for my schooling really impacted me and influenced me to work hard,” she said. The future UC San Diego student was awarded $10,000 from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund and the selection committee recognized her to be a Talented Young Person of Exemplary Scholastic Ability. She is planning on becoming a mechanical engineer.
For Danyel Fong, who was awarded the Harry Polland/Robert Morales Joint Council 7 Scholarship the funds will go a long way to help with her expenses as she studies marine biology at the University of Oregon. As part of her application, Fong wrote an essay on the importance of labor unions in which she stated, ”Without Unions, my parents would not have been able to provide a stimulating, safe and enjoyable home environment and childhood for my brothers and me, and no other family, who is part of a union, would able to do the same either.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s Teamster scholarship winners! See below for a complete list of recipients.
San Bruno Public Services Member, Ted Chapman’s, son Robert Chapman received a $1,000 award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.
United Airlines Member, Gregory Chavez’s, son Mark Chavez, received a $1,000 award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. In addition, Mark was also awarded $1,000 from the California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarship Fund.
City of Santa Rosa member Michael Fong’s daughter, Danyel Fong, was awarded $1,000 from the Harry Polland/Robert Morales Joint Council 7 Scholarship Fund.
United Airlines Member Roy Jensen’s, son Shane Jensen received a $1,000 award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.
United Airlines Member, Daniel Keung’s, daughter, Michelle Keung received a $10,000 Scholarship and a Certificate of Merit from the James R. Hoffa Scholarship Fund. The Selection Committee Recognized her to be a Talented Young Person of Exemplary Scholastic Ability.
Delta Dental Member, Manuel Malpartida’s, daughter Emma Colombo received a $1,000 award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.
San Mateo County Harbor District Member, Michelle Reloba’s daughter, Victoria Souza received $1,000 from the James R. Hoffa Scholarship Essay Contest.
Marin General Hospital Member, Tita Shepherd’s daughter, Mika Shepherd received $1,000 from the James R. Hoffa Scholarship Essay Contest.
San Bruno Firefighter Member, Jason Williams’, daughter Emma Williams received a $1,000 award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.