Madison Martinez, a student at the University of Arkansas, and Lauren Smith, a student at Van Buren High School, will receive a scholarship offered by Gerdau. They are two of only 15 students to receive the scholarship, which is open to the children of Gerdau employees in North America.
“Gerdau recognizes students that not only succeed in the classroom, but are also involved in school and the community,” said John Kelleher, general manager at Gerdau’s Fort Smith mill. “We are proud to support these two students as they work hard to achieve their goals.”
Gerdau is one of the largest suppliers of special steel in the world.
Both students were honored for their achievements during a scholarship ceremony at the Fort Smith steel mill on June 5. The company’s human resources manager Jennifer Pogue presented the awards. Martinez’s father accepted the award for her.
Martinez’s father, Marty Martinez, is an improvement facilitator III and has worked for Gerdau for the last 17 years. Madison Martinez is majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biology at the University of Arkansas. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she wants to attend medical school and specialize in cardiology.
Madison Martinez volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club and the Veterans Affairs hospital. She recently founded a registered student organization called Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children. This foundation works towards creating improved health care for families in developing countries through self-sustainable programs. Medicine has always been a passion of hers, and she believes this career will allow her to give back to society. She hopes in the future to have the opportunity to volunteer oversees with the organization.
Smith’s father, James Lawler II, is an assistant bar finishing operator and has worked for Gerdau for the last 17 years. Smith is graduating from high school in the top 10% of her class, with a College Prep High Honors diploma, and she was a member of the National Honor Society, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Teachers of America and co-captain of her high school dance team. She was accepted to the University of Arkansas, where she will study education. Due to her personal experience working with people with special needs, she hopes to teach special education after graduating.
Gerdau Scholarship recipients are awarded a $2,500 annual stipend towards their undergraduate degrees for up to four years for a total of $10,000. Selection is based on standardized testing scores, academic performance and contributions to their schools and communities. Candidates are required to submit an essay outlining their personal characteristics, activities, plans and goals.
The Gerdau Scholarship program is designed to promote Gerdau’s commitment to education, one of the pillars of the company’s social responsibility program. Other pillars of this program include quality of management and community support.