On behalf of the foundation, Tim Fletcher of Copeland, and Bob Feathers, HVACR department head of RETS, presented a check for $2,000 to student recipient, Raymond Thompson, to continue his studies in the field of HVACR. The scholarship was fully funded by Copeland and the presentation took place at RETS in Centerville, Ohio.

Thompson was chosen from three finalists who had qualified under the strict criteria that included a perfect attendance record and a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average, and was selected because of his leadership abilities, attitude, willingness to learn, helpfulness to fellow students, and financial need.

"This is a great honor for Raymond and our RETS Tech Center," said Mary Williams, an instructor at RETS. In attendance from RETS were Michael LeMaster, president/CEO, Kenneth C. Miller, campus director, Richard Rucker, director of education, Wayne Spahr, director of admissions, Thompson's wife and mother, and approximately 75 of the 150 students currently enrolled in the HVACR program.

EAF is currently working with schools to give out 15 new scholarships this year.

EAF is a nonprofit organization created to attract, educate, and develop students in HVACR programs by awarding as many scholarships as possible for the education of the future workforce in the contracting industry. All contributions go directly to the foundation scholarship fund and all administrative expenses are paid by Excellence Alliance.

EAI is a membership organization that provides independent contracting companies with business management tools that include training, purchasing power, human resources services, consulting, and marketing services. There are currently over 250 member locations in EAI's nationwide network.

For more information, visit www.eainet.net.

Publication date: 03/22/2004