The UMWA has announced the winners of the 2023-2024 Lorin E. Kerr Scholarship. Each of the winners will receive $2,500 this academic year to assist them in meeting their educational goals.
Tyler Leonard
Tyler Leonard is the grandson of Local Union 1810 member Lawrence Leonard, Sr., in District 31.
“My parents struggled with fair wages in a labor market that does not benefit those who work hard with no education,” said Tyler. “I want to make a difference in the labor movement by helping workers and their families.’
Tyler is from Bellaire, Ohio, and graduated from St. John Central High School. He is extremely passionate about politics and is currently attending Columbus State Community College majoring in political science.
After this semester, he will attend West Liberty University to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
Upon graduation, Tyler plans to enter law school at Ohio State University. “My goal is to practice law and become a judge within the Supreme Court of the United States,” said Tyler. “I plan on utilizing this scholarship to acquire my degree in political science and then move into law school.
I have been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society and plan on coming home with my degree to give back to the community that raised me.”
Christa Bedford
Christa Bedford is the granddaughter of Local Union 2245 member Terry Lathem in District 20.
“Safety should be the number one priority in the workplace,” said Christa. “A company that cares for its workers is a company that will achieve great success.”
Christa is from Lake View, Alabama, and graduated from Brookwood High School. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama, with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse.
“I plan to nurture all future patients and genuinely care for them as needed,” said Christa. “I am passionate about my education and am constantly trying to better myself and the people around me.”
“I plan to further my education at the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing,” said Christa.
“I am committed to decreasing my student debt as much as possible so that I can focus on helping others.”
Christa is a member of the Student Government Association as an Ambassador, on Green Team, National Technical Honors Society, and Beta Club.
