Watco 2021 Scholarships Awarded

They’re dancers and golfers. They’re providing housing for the homeless, inoculations in Mexico, and funding for clean water and cancer awareness. And they’re scholars with high grade point averages who are ready to begin college in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, or another state. For their excellence inside and outside the classroom, eight outstanding high school seniors have been awarded Watco scholarships.

Each year, Watco gives the scholarships to high school seniors who are eligible dependents of Watco team members. Recipients must be in good academic standing and planning to attend a post-secondary institution within one year of graduating from high school.

Congratulations to these students and their families:

Michaela Befort Michaela is the daughter of Tim and Ellen Befort. Tim is Vice President of Pricing & Yield Management and is based in the Overland Park, Kansas, office. Michaela was a dance captain in her high school’s girls show choir and for the mixed show choir, which performs annual fundraising programs to provide water wells for African villages. Among Michaela’s other activities were National Honor Society, Art Club, and varsity track and field. She was a member of the top honor roll all semesters and will attend Loyola University in Chicago. Faith Condrick Faith is the daughter of Amy and Francis Condrick. Francis is a Watco Environmental Manager working remotely. Faith made the highest honor roll every year while in high school. She was named a 2020 Carson Scholar, a distinction given to just 477 students across the nation for academic excellence and commitment to their communities. She was on the school golf team, was student council president, and was a member of the National Honor Society, among other organizations. Her volunteer activities included collecting used furniture that she refurbished and donated to a shelter for abused women. Faith plans to attend Clemson University in South Carolina. Vianey Herrera Vianey is the daughter of Isai Herrera and Veronica Fierro and is also under the guardianship of Jailene Evelin Fierro, a Transportation Assistant in Springdale, Arkansas. Vianey began high school in Mexico, where she studied and worked three years as a student nurse in hospital and clinic settings. She spent summers volunteering in vaccination campaigns, administering vaccines to children and the elderly. After returning to the U.S. for her senior year, she joined her school’s medical professions program and became a member of the Health Occupational Students of America. Vianey plans to continue her education at the University of Arkansas.

Mackenzie Mnuk Mackenzie is the daughter of Daniel and Dana Giacalone. Daniel is a Trainmaster for the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Mackenzie was a fouryear member of Drama Club, Key Club, and the Health Occupational Students of America, where she placed first and second in state competitions. She and other students organized a fundraiser for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Mackenzie was a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of Spanish Club, among other activities. She is headed for the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Emma Robbins Emma is the daughter of Gregg and Deborah Robbins. Gregg is Director of Technical Services and Security and is based in Springdale, Arkansas. Emma volunteered for multiple organizations throughout high school, which included supporting Dignity Closet, a resource for students to get free clothing, personal care items, and food. She was dance co-captain and an all-state dance selection. Emma also participated in National Honor Society, the Link Crew freshman mentor program, the Distributive Education Club of America, and many other activities. She will attend the University of Tulsa.

Abby Sonnier Abby is the daughter of Brit and Gina Sonnier. Brit is General Manager of the Baton Rouge Southern Railroad. Abby has volunteered at food drives and events in support of foster care, community beautification, and more. She served on the school newspaper and was active in the student service organization Key Club, National Honor Society, and National French Honor Society. As a sophomore, Abby was named most outstanding student in Journalism I and also in French III. She plans to go to the University of Alabama.

Darby Studer Darby is the daughter of Taryn and Peter Tietjen. Peter is a safety manager working remotely. Darby played volleyball and basketball throughout high school and also was on the honor roll all four years. She was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and StuCrew Student activities Board, and her volunteerism included working at a food pantry and providing classroom support to teachers and students at the grade school and high school levels. Darby plans to attend The Ohio State University.

Cole Wiley Cole is the son of Travis and Colleen Wiley. Travis is Director of Rail at Greens Port Industrial Terminals. Cole’s activities included membership in the National Scholar Society and Engineering/Technical Honor Society. He is an accomplished golfer who played in multiple Junior PGA events in the state of Texas. Cole participated throughout high school in a student-led program to design and build “tiny homes” for veterans. He also volunteered many hours during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. This fall, Cole will begin studying at Montreat College in North Carolina.