North Carolina Teen Wins $5,000 AEM Scholarship

Poole, who is planning to become a mechanical engineer, earned the $5,000 scholarship for an essay he wrote on why he has chosen a construction industry career.

“America's construction industry is growing rapidly, and with this growth, the construction industry has many tremendous job opportunities,” Poole wrote. “I have always liked the construction industry, and I believe that by becoming a mechanical engineer, I can help contribute to the construction field. The construction industry offers many rewarding aspects for a job such as good pay and advancement, being able to create a better and more efficient world, and being able to see an idea become a reality.”

Poole was a participant in AEM's recently held Construction Challenge competition at ConExpo last month. Participants of the Construction Challenge who are planning a career in the construction industry were given an opportunity to submit a 750-word essay for a chance to win the scholarship.

Five finalists were selected based on their interest and enthusiasm to succeed in the construction industry. Over a two-week period prior to the show, the public was invited to vote on the essays online at vote.conexpoconagg.com, where the essays are still available. More than 17,000 online votes were cast.

The Construction Equipment Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth of the industry and strives to call attention to the tremendous role the industry has played, and continues to play, in economic growth and quality of life.

AEM developed the hands-on Construction Challenge competition in partnership with Destination ImagiNation Inc. to spotlight creativity and problem solving with an introduction to careers in the construction industry. More than 50 regional winning teams of high school students from across the United States participated in the finals held at ConExpo.

For more about the Construction Challenge, click here.