Local students receive college scholarships from EnCana
Nathan Stroud of Pinedale High School and Derek Meisner of Big Piney High School
by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA)
May 22, 2007
(Sublette County) – Nathan Stroud of Pinedale High School and Derek Meisner of Big Piney High School earned a 2007 EnCana High School Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement, strong commitment to the community and determination to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. Stroud and Meisner will each receive $2,500 annually for up to four years totaling $10,000 each for their college education.
This year, EnCana has expanded its scholarship program to include technical or trade programs related to the oil and gas industry. Previously, the scholarship program was only intended for four-year schools, however, the natural gas industry is constantly growing and in need of highly skilled and trained workers. Trade professions such as Production Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator or Land Administration require a two-year degree.
Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs was the first to offer industry programs in Wyoming at the college level with the Oil and Gas Production Technology Program and the Compression Technology Program.
The Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Training Center in Casper trains oil and gas workers in various occupations, including drilling rig floor hands, welding, CDL truck driving and heavy equipment operation.
The University of Wyoming recently established its School of Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering Program to help solve various energy-related issues and provide an interdisciplinary environment for day-to-day interaction between multiple industry specialties.
EnCana scholarships are awarded annually to one graduating student in each school district within an EnCana area of operation pursuing a degree in engineering, geology or geophysics.
With a keenness and knack for creative approaches to mathematical problem solving, Stroud plans to study Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Throughout his schooling, Stroud has won many mathematic competitions and awards. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the high school track team and the Jazz Band.
“From an engineering perspective, I want to make a difference in my community and in the lives of others,” said Stroud. “ I really enjoy problem-solving, and my past mathematics scores and involvement have made me realize that engineering will be one of the best places to be able to focus my skills and be able to contribute to those needs of society. I find the innovations of various companies, such as EnCana, inspiring, and feel with the education, I can contribute to similar efforts in the future.”
An active member of the Big Piney Welding Team, Meisner plans to continue to strengthen and hone these skills at the Welding and Joining Technology Program at Eastern Wyoming College. Meisner has won several Welding Team and Skills USA awards, and has been on the Honor Roll multiple times. He has also served as the Vice President of the Big Piney 4-H Club.
“I joined the Welding Team to experience my future,” said Meisner. “These welding projects have taught me how to compete for the best possible position in this job market. I would like to go to college to pursue a career that I love and that will be a good means of providing for myself, and EnCana’s scholarship will make this come true.”
“Our scholarship program offers high school students a way to advance their education,” said Chris House, EnCana operations field leader. “It’s an investment in our youth and in Wyoming, and we are happy to do it.”
The scholarship is awarded directly to the student, and can be used for any college-related financial need, including tuition and fees, textbooks, and rent. Each school district is responsible for selecting the scholarship recipient. For more information about EnCana’s High School Scholarship Program, please contact your school district or e-mail communityinvestmentusa@encana.com
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. is one of North America’s leading natural gas producers. EnCana focuses on contributing to the strength and sustainability of the communities in which they are privileged to live and work.
Related Links:
EnCana USA, www.encana.com
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