Maisy Hughes, an incoming freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, IL, USA, will major in marketing. She consistently achieved High Honor Roll, was recognized by the College Board National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Program and was an Illinois State Scholar. Hughes served as Vice-President of the National Honor Society. As a four-year volleyball player, Hughes was named Best Teammate three times. She gained practical marketing experience through job shadowing at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital and interning at Lake Land Community College’s marketing department. Hughes’s academic excellence, leadership roles, athletic involvement and marketing experience showcase her well-rounded character and readiness for university studies.

Emily Johnson, daughter of Braskem employee, Shelton Jay Johnson, is entering her sophomore year at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, USA, where she will major in business. She has earned a place on both the Dean’s Honor Roll and President’s Honor Roll, graduated with honors and received the Certificate of Honor for Citizenship and Service. Additionally, she has been recognized with academic awards in English and algebra, as well as Academic All-District and Academic All-State honors. Her commitment to community service is exemplified by her involvement with the National Charity League, where she received multiple awards, including the Mother Daughter Award for completing 30+ hours of service with her mother. Additionally, she is a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Krista Jungblut, daughter of Stiles Machinery, Inc. employee, Michael Jungblut, is entering her sophomore year at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, USA, where she is majoring in nursing. She has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, making the Honor Roll all four years of high school and earning a place on the Dean’s List during her freshman year at Western Michigan University. In high school, she received academic awards in gymnastics and soccer for having the highest GPA on her teams during her junior year. She was a dedicated athlete, participating in varsity gymnastics for four years and earning a varsity letter as a freshman. Jungblut’s commitment to academics, athletics and leadership highlights her well-rounded character and dedication, preparing her for continued success in her Nursing studies at Western Michigan University.

Sarah Kuchta, and employee of Midland Plastics, Inc., is entering her junior year at Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI, USA, where she will major in accounting. She has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in both academics and music. Kuchta was recognized as the Music Student of the Year, showcasing her outstanding abilities and commitment to her musical studies. Additionally, she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to her field. Her musical achievements include performing in band, choir, community orchestra and community band. Kuchta’s involvement in these ensembles highlights her passion for music and her commitment to contributing to her community.

Wyatt McCann, son of Piedmont Plastics employee David McCann, is entering his junior year at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, USA, where he is studying finance and accounting. His academic excellence is evident through his receipt of Rider’s Trustee Scholarship and his consistent placement on the Dean’s List. He is a distinguished member of the College of Business Honors Program and the Baccalaureate Honor Program. Additionally, McCann was inducted into the freshman honor society Alpha Lambda Delta in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements in his first year. McCann is actively engaged in various extracurricular activities. He has been a member of the GEMS Club and Green Team since September 2022, demonstrating his commitment to both professional development and sustainability initiatives.

Julie Pugh, daughter of Ensinger employee, Brenda Pugh, is a senior at the University of Dayton. She is pursuing a degree in international studies, political science and French. She has consistently made the Dean’s List since fall 2021 and received the McGrath Award for her work in Catholic intellectual traditions in March 2022. Pugh is actively involved in various university programs, including the CORE program, University Honors Program, French Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Campus Activities Board. She also participates in Women’s Ultimate Frisbee as a club sport. In Spring 2023, Pugh studied abroad at Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers, France. She recently joined the ZETA ZETA chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha in Spring 2024. Pugh’s academic excellence and diverse extracurricular involvement position her for success in her fields of study.

Cameron Raupp is entering his freshman year at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, USA, where he will major in mechanical engineering. Throughout his high school experience, he consistently demonstrated academic excellence, making the Honor Roll four consecutive years. His hard work and dedication culminated in being named Valedictorian of his graduating class. Additionally, he was recognized as an AP Scholar in his senior year. Raupp’s extracurricular activities reflect his diverse interests and leadership abilities. He participated in Junior Varsity Golf in ninth grade and was an active member of the Key Club for three years. He was inducted into the National Honor Society in 11th and 12th grade, highlighting his commitment to scholarship, leadership, service and character. He also enjoyed participating in the Ski Club during his junior and senior years. His well-rounded involvement in both academics and extracurricular activities showcases his strong character and readiness to excel in his studies at Michigan Technological University.

Christian Rood is entering his sophomore year at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, USA, where he will study marketing. During his freshman year, he made the Dean’s List with Highest Honors and was awarded the President Walker Award. He has also been recognized with the Happy Valley Comm Rising Star Award, the Semper Fidel is Musical Excellence Award, the Matthew Bailey Scholarship and the National Honor Society Award.

In high school, Rood held the position of President of Link Crew for one year and was a member for two years. He was actively involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club and Take Action. His musical talents were showcased through his participation in band and choir, wind ensemble, jazz band, men’s choir and select choir.
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Isabella Rossborough, daughter of POLYVANTIS Sanford LLC employee, Robert Rossborough, is entering her junior year at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME, USA, where she is majoring in marketing. She has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership throughout her educational journey. Rossborough graduated with High Honors from Kennebunk High School, where she was also awarded the Saint Michael’s Book Award and the Alyce Tucceri Community Service Award. She earned a STEM Certificate and has continued to excel academically, receiving the University of Southern Maine President’s Scholar Award and making the Dean’s List. Her leadership skills were evident in high school, where she was an active member of the Captain’s Club and served on the Class of 2023 Executive Council. She was also part of the Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society. In athletics, Rossborough played junior varsity and varsity volleyball, serving as Varsity Captain for one year.

Gavin Tuckey, son of E & T Plastics Mfg. Co., Inc. employee, Thomas Tuckey, is entering his senior year at Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) in St. Cloud, MN, USA, where he is majoring in secondary social studies education. He has demonstrated academic excellence, consistently making the Dean’s List. He graduated as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2022 from Spectrum High School, where he also received the SPIRIT Award. Tuckey has actively engaged in various leadership roles and extracurricular activities. He served as the Treasurer of the SCSU Social Studies Club and was a senior member of the Spectrum High School Student Voice Collaborative. He led the Spectrum Middle School/High School Quiz Bowl team as captain for six years, showcasing his leadership and commitment to academic pursuits. In addition to his school activities, Tuckey has contributed to his community as a Heritage Preservation Commissioner for the City of Elk River. He is a member of both the National Education Association and the National Council for Social Studies, reflecting his dedication to his field of study.

The IAPD Charitable Foundation was established in 1981 as a non-profit tax exempt corporation to provide scholarships at the undergraduate level to employees of IAPD member firms and their children, as well as students in various majors hired by the performance plastics industry.

Money for these scholarships is generated by gifts from IAPD member companies and individuals in the performance plastics industry, as well as donations from the association and its for-profit subsidiary. The IAPD Charitable Foundation also hosts fundraising events each year during IAPD sponsored events. Donors to the IAPD Charitable Foundation may take advantage of tax deductions on Federal tax returns. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes. Scholarships awarded were up to US$5,000 in 2024. (Please consult a tax advisor for details.)

For more details on the IAPD Charitable Foundation, visit www.iapd.org/IAPD/Scholarship/Scholarship.aspx.