Ash Grove has announced that Matthew Illes and Kaitlyn Watts will receive two annual intern scholarships. These scholarships, valued $1,500, recognise students who completed a summer internship with Ash Grove or one of its subsidiaries.
Iles completed an internship for Ash Grove at its Midlothian, Texas, cement plant this summer and is studying chemical engineering at Kansas State University. Also, he has served as a volunteer for the Wamego Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Iles says: “From the quarry supplying limestone to console operators monitoring the process, the plant has endless opportunities to learn and further one’s knowledge. For me this is critical, I enjoy learning something new each day and the cement industry provides an environment to do just that.”
Watts interned at Ash Grove’s Overland Park, Kansas, technical centre this summer and is studying chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Additionally, she has served as a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. She has also achieved the Dean’s Honor Roll at Missouri S&T.
“The combination of being around my coworkers and understanding the impact cement has on the community has furthered my interest in the field as a career because I want to put that knowledge towards making a positive impact on everyone around me,” says Watts.
Dave Ezell, vice president of human resources, Ash Grove, says: “I am always impressed by the interns’ strong work ethic and desire to learn. Student projects not only contribute to the company, but also provide for professional growth of the students.”
