IRMCA Announces Chesterton & Lake Central, Indiana Graduates as 2024 Scholarship Recipients
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – Today, the Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association announced two Northwest Indiana high school graduates as the 2024 IRMCA Scholarship recipients. Noah Green and Vincent Raffin both earned a $1,500 scholarship to continue their educations.
Green is a 2021 Lake Central High School graduate from Schererville, Indiana. He is a senior at Purdue University Northwest studying Construction Engineering and Management Technology. In addition to his studies, Green works in the Quality Control Division at Smith Ready Mix.
“In the summer of 2023, I was a part of a Smith Ready Mix team that worked on the big State Road 114 project in Morocco, Indiana. We poured over 1,000 yards a day for two weeks and I saw how a large project can have precise specifications. Working at Smith has taught me a lot about concrete and has made me want to learn more about the concrete business,” explains Green.
Raffin is a 2021 Chesterton High School graduate and is a senior studying Construction Management at Purdue University - West La Fayette. In addition to his studies, Raffin is the Chief Marketer for the Associated Building and Contractors Club at the University. He also volunteers during the summer at the Kiwanis Club in Chesterton.
“I am very thankful for the experience I have gained while working alongside professionals throughout my internship and part time positions while attending Purdue University as a full-time student. Before retirement I would like to start my own company in the concrete industry and contribute my work to the betterment of construction practices by implementing sustainable methods, enhancing efficiency, and setting new standards for quality and innovation,” says Raffin.
The scholarship was announced during the IRMCA’s Annual Golf Outing, held today at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana. Through generous fundraising donations of its members, the IRMCA awards a monetary scholarship every year to an Indiana undergraduate junior or senior enrolled in a four-year engineering or construction program who intend to pursue a career in concrete design or concrete construction.
“Our goal is to meet the workforce needs of Hoosier concrete producers, and better prepare students when they professionally join the industry in Indiana,” said IRMCA Executive Director, Chad Montgomery. “The IRMCA scholarship accomplishes those goals, making it a win for students and for the concrete industry.”
The Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s primary stated objective is to expand the use of ready mixed concrete in the State of Indiana. The IRMCA supports and promotes the use of high quality Portland cement concrete in pavements, parking lots, structures, and residential construction. The Association serves as a marketing and promotional organization for its members and provides necessary technical support and industry resources.