LAS VEGAS – The Davis Memorial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association, presented the winners of its 2024 student scholarship program at the annual Western Roofing Expo.

The 10winners represent current or future students at universities, colleges or trade schools who aspire to be the next generation of workers in the skilled trades. Awards are made possible through funds established by the organization’s sponsors and various fundraising events, including the annual auction at the Western Roofing Expo. 

Members of the WSRCA presented this year’s awards to a small gathering of members, family and friends prior to the auction. 

“This is really going to help me complete my degree and hopefully graduate this year. It really means a lot to me,” said Zachary Klein, who is studying construction management at Coconino Community College in Arizona. 

The WSRCA established the scholarship in 1997 in the memory of former board member Larry Davis and his wife, Mary. The program has since funded more than $800,000 in scholarships to more than 100 recipients. 

Niklas Choate, who is studying engineering at Ottawa University in Surprise, Ariz., said the scholarship allows him to pursue a career in the trades, which he’s looked forward to since he helped out on the jobsite of his parent’s roofing company as a boy.

“This work excites me the most because I know we need people like engineers, like roofers, like masons to be in the workforce. To be making the things that people need,” he said. 

This year’s other recipients were:

• Ava Bernard, University of Mississippi
• Elijah Duke, Los Angeles Trade Technical School
• Zuleima Flores, Oregon State University
• Marysue Hauser, University of Colorado
• Valeria Lopez, Gonzaga University
• Maura Mulligan, Colorado State University
• Alexander Rasmusen, Oklahoma City University
• David Rueter, Colorado School of Mines

For more information about the foundation and ongoing scholarship efforts, visit wsrca.com.