Washington, D.C. - The children of highway workers killed or permanently disabled on the job will receive financial assistance in their pursuit of higher education thanks to scholarships announced by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF).
Students from Iowa, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Indiana have been named 2011 recipients of the ARTBA-TDF's "Lanford Family Highway Worker Memorial Scholarship." The program was established in 1999, with a gift to the Foundation from two Roanoke, Va., highway contractors and their companies—Stan Lanford (1999 ARTBA chairman) of Lanford Brothers, and Jack Lanford (1991 ARTBA chairman), with Adams Construction Company. Both men are past ARTBA chairmen.
On average, about 100 highway workers are killed every year on the job or in roadway construction work zone accidents.
The 2011 class includes:
Brian Brown, Coeburn, VA
Brian's father, Robert Brown, was permanently disabled in an accident after jumping into a ditch to avoid being struck by a high-speed truck as he worked in a roadway work zone for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Brian is pursuing a degree in biblical studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Joseph Halvorson, Ames, IA
Joe's father, Russell Halvorson, was working for Davis Concrete/Silvestri Paving Company installing new curbs on a road in Illinois when he was killed by a drunk driver in 1989. Joe is pursuing a degree in meteorology at Iowa State University.
Brianna Keefe, Wyalusing, PA
Brianna's dad, Bret Keefe, was killed in a car accident in 2001, while working for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. She attends Northwestern University near Chicago and is majoring in journalism and international studies.
Allison Moore, Chula, GA
Allison's father, Steve Moore, was killed in an accident while working as an employee of the Georgia Department of Transportation in November 1996. Allison attends the University of Georgia and is majoring in political science.
Nahun Morales, Springfield, VA
Nahun's dad, Nahun Levia, was injured and disabled while working on a highway and bridge project in Maryland. Nahun attends George Mason University and is majoring in business administration.
Seth Ward, Tell City , IN
Seth's father, Ronald Ward, was killed on the job in 2005, while working maintenance for the Indiana Department of Transportation. Seth will be attending University of Southern Indiana in the fall and plans to major in elementary education.
The ARTBA-TDF is interested in receiving contact leads on students who could benefit from the scholarship program. Please share them with ARTBA Scholarship and Awards Manager Holly Bolton or 202-289-4434. Individuals and firms interested in supporting the scholarship program can do so by sending a check payable to: ARTBA-TDF, 1219 28th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007.
