Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship
ATSS Foundation awards nine scholarships for 2025-26 academic year The ATSS Foundation awarded Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships to nine students…
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3M’s 10 years of fundraising add up for ATSS Foundation Toward Zero Deaths Pledge Wall started with 3M’s iconic Post-it…
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Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships offer pathway to success Students encouraged to apply by Feb. 15 for up to $11,000 in…
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Students urged to apply by Feb. 15 for up to $11,000 in aid for education When a roadway worker is…
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Thousands of roadway safety advocates filled the Phoenix Convention Center this week for ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, exploring the latest technology and equipment for protecting lives within work zones and on the nation’s roadways. A record-setting number of people registered, with more than 3,700 for this year's event. With nearly 50 education sessions to choose from, they gained both practical tips—such as how to negotiate contracts to limit liability—and enhanced their understanding of critical workplace safety and technology issues such as advances in communication between work zones and connected and autonomous vehicles CAVs. Keynote speaker Scott Wozniak, an organizational leadership expert from Atlanta, addressed a key workforce issue on Sunday when he offered insights for building a successful team by focusing on the essential element of employee engagement. Check out some of the highlights of this week's event. Thousands of roadway safety advocates filled the Phoenix Convention Center this week for ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, exploring the latest technology and equipment for protecting lives within work zones and on the nation’s roadways. A record-setting number of people registered, with more than 3,700 for this year's event. With nearly 50 education sessions to choose from, they gained both practical tips—such as how to negotiate contracts to limit liability—and enhanced their understanding of critical workplace safety and technology issues such as advances in communication between work zones and connected and autonomous vehicles CAVs. Keynote speaker Scott Wozniak, an organizational leadership expert from Atlanta, addressed a key workforce issue on Sunday when he offered insights for building a successful team by focusing on the essential element of employee engagement. He explained his seven elements of the employee engagement engine but started with a baseline question and observation. “Do you know what makes them tick,” he said. “The fuel that threads through all of this is to speak to your people about what matters to them.” Former U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania weighed in on Monday with insights from his 17-plus years in Congress where he chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He took part in a Legislative Insights Forum during which he chatted with ATSSA Vice President of Engagement Nate Smith, who leads the Association’s advocacy team. Three national awards were announced during the Convention: Peter Speer of Pexco for the Industry Achievement Award, Neil Boudreau of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation MassDOT for the National Safety Award and Jerry Britt, now a consultant for PPG, for the Mark of Excellence Award. Blue Vigil of Sterling, Va., earned an Innovation Award for its ALED Portable Light which is a person-portable area lighting system that mounts a high-intensity LED array on a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle UAV that can be positioned up to 100 feet above a job site. That was one of 18 products in this year’s New Products Rollout. It wowed the department of transportation officials who served as judges. Throughout the Convention, participants established and strengthened relationships through informal gatherings between sessions and on the Traffic Expo floor as well as in organized gatherings including the Chair’s Reception where they were entertained by American Indian hoop dancers and local music. With mountains and desert as a backdrop, members also enjoyed two ATSS Foundation events. Both the 31st Annual Golf Classic Tournament and the 10th Annual Sporting Clays event—the two major Foundation fundraisers for the year—were sold out well in advance. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship recipient Joann Jones of Bluffton, Ind., attended the Convention and was on hand at the golf tournament, held at Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Joann’s father, Dale Jones, was killed in a work zone incident in 2009. She attends Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where she is studying astrophysics. Scholarship recipient Rylee O’Brien of Frederic, Wisc., also attended the Convention and interacted with members taking part in the clays event at Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. Her father, Robert O’Brien, was permanently disabled in a work zone incident in 2017. He and Rylee’s mother, Heather, attended the Convention. Rylee headed home on Sunday to resume her nursing studies at Minnesota State University Mankato. The two college students weren’t the only young participants in this year’s Convention. Two students from Arlington High School in Arlington, Mass., won this year’s Traffic Control Device TCD Student Challenge, which is open to students from high school through graduate school. Petru Sofio and Talia Askenazi are computer-aided drafting and design students. Talia gave a presentation on Monday of their solution to this year’s challenge: Innovative Traffic Control Devices to Improve Vulnerable Road User Safety. The Arizona ATSSA Chapter AZ-ATSSA also encouraged future roadway safety infrastructure professionals to attend the Convention. The chapter hosted Student Day on Monday during which local students from 7th grade through university level could attend for free, enjoy a luncheon to learn about the industry and then tour the Traffic Expo floor and interact with exhibitors. “It was great to see so many young people taking part in this year’s Convention & Traffic Expo,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “This industry offers limitless opportunities for careers that can contribute to saving lives and utilize the latest technology. I hope they were inspired by what they saw and we will see them continue to grow in their interest. This event is a wonderful way to learn the many ways our industry advances roadway safety. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event in San Diego.”
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Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships can fuel the journey to dreams fulfilled for students who lost a parent or had one permanently disabled due to a work zone incident. The ATSS Foundation offers two scholarships for the loved ones following a work zone tragedy. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program offers dependents of the workers—both children and spouses—an opportunity to continue pursuing their academic dreams beyond high school. This competitive program offers up to $10,000 for an academic year. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, who was an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry. Applications are due by Feb. 15 for the 2023-24 academic year. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships can fuel the journey to dreams fulfilled for students who lost a parent or had one permanently disabled due to a work zone incident. The ATSS Foundation offers two scholarships for the loved ones following a work zone tragedy. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program offers dependents of the workers—both children and spouses—an opportunity to continue pursuing their academic dreams beyond high school. This competitive program offers up to $10,000 for an academic year. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, who was an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry. Applications are due by Feb. 15 for the 2023-24 academic year. The Foundation also offers Experience Camp Travel Scholarships for children and youth to attend a free one-week, overnight summer camp where there is opportunity for healing alongside peers who have experienced similar losses. Experience Camps are a national network of summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens in grades 4 through 12. The Experience Camps Travel Scholarship covers all round-trip travel costs for the student and his or her guardian. “The goal is to no longer need these scholarships because we see an end to work zone worker deaths and serious injuries,” said ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “In the meantime, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations. “We have been blessed by the commitment of many ATSSA members and chapters to support The Foundation such as 3M—which again this year established a pledge wall that continues through the end of the 2023 Convention & Traffic Expo, the New England ATSSA Chapter—which hosted an event during the 2022 Midyear Meeting, and the Georgia ATSSA Chapter—which matched donations during Giving Tuesday and is a sponsor for this year’s Hoops Mania.” The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships since its inception in 1988. Fourteen students were awarded scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. Two of the 14 also received the Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarship for this school year. Current Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship recipients share their stories and discuss how ATSS Foundation scholarships have helped them achieve their dreams. The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA. It was formed with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. Donations can be made at Foundation.ATSSA.com/Donate.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Dec. 14, 2022 –The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation awarded scholarships to 14 students for the 2022-23 academic year, with the majority of students being multi-year recipients. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program started in 2002 to provide financial assistance for post-high school education to dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zones. The program is competitive and provides scholarships valued up to $10,000 per student each year. The program has awarded more than $400,000 since its inception. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, a member of the roadway safety industry who died in 2002. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Dec. 14, 2022 –The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation awarded scholarships to 14 students for the 2022-23 academic year, with the majority of students being multi-year recipients. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program started in 2002 to provide financial assistance for post-high school education to dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in roadway work zones. The program is competitive and provides scholarships valued up to $10,000 per student each year. The program has awarded more than $400,000 since its inception. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible for an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, a member of the roadway safety industry who died in 2002. Joann Jones of Bluffton, Ind., and Sydney Parsons of Kelso, Wash., received the Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarship. Joann, whose father was killed in a work zone incident in 2009, attends Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where she is studying to become an astrophysicist. While pursuing her studies, she has helped at track and basketball camps for children, helped feed the homeless and works at an animal shelter. This is her second year as an academic scholarship recipient. Sydney begins college this year and plans to attend Central Washington University to become a paramedic. She was inspired to pursue that field by her father’s debilitating injury in 2016. She has been active with Red Cross blood drives and volunteering with Lil Titans Outdoors where she works with youth. She also is a battalion chief in a fire science program. “One of the great joys of serving on The ATSS Foundation Board is getting the opportunity to assist aspiring college students as they navigate a path forward,” said Board Chair Kevin Shelton. “Each of the students receiving a scholarship has worked hard at their studies despite the tragedy they experienced in their young lives. I wish them the best as they seek to grow and learn and pursue their passions.” The Foundation Board interviews and carefully considers each application to ensure it responsibly stewards the resources entrusted to it. “The scholarships are possible because of the many individuals, companies and organizations that support The Foundation throughout the year and who believe in its mission to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “It’s a privilege to be able to support these students.” This year’s group of recipients includes two sets of siblings and represents 10 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Aaron Baker – Le Center, Minn., Winona State University James Beard – Highland, Ill., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville first-time recipient Tessa Beard – Highland, Ill., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Daniel Hart – Ridge, N.Y., State University of New York Cortland Emily Hause – Eaton Rapids, Mich., Michigan State University Katie Hutt – Cleveland, Tenn., University of Tennessee Knoxville Joann Jones – Bluffton, Ind., Case Western Reserve University Mariela Lara – Ojai, Calif., California State University Channel Island Rylee O’Brien – Frederic, Wisc., Minnesota State University Mankato first-time recipient Sydney Parsons – Kelso, Wash., Central Washington University first-time recipient Alex Perez – Indianapolis, Ind., Indiana University first-time recipient Kaitlyn Pirelli – Chicago, Ill., Loyola University Chicago Megan Pirelli – Chicago, Ill., Chamberlain University College of Nursing Maycie Walker – Dry Ridge, Ky., University of Pikeville The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA. It was formed in 1988 with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. March 31, 2022 – The transportation industry is taking increasing steps to improve the timeliness of information about active work zones but even before those measures are available nationwide, work zone warnings are important for everyone to heed to get home safely. This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15 with the theme: “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” National Work Zone Awareness Week NWZAW, in its 22nd year, is a national public awareness campaign held annually at the start of the spring construction season. It spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. UPDATE: The livestream of the national kickoff event can be viewed here at 1:30 p.m. ET on April 12. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. March 31, 2022 – The transportation industry is taking increasing steps to improve the timeliness of information about active work zones but even before those measures are available nationwide, work zone warnings are important for everyone to heed to get home safely. This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15 with the theme: “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” National Work Zone Awareness Week NWZAW, in its 22nd year, is a national public awareness campaign held annually at the start of the spring construction season. It spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show the vast majority of people killed in work zones are motorists, passengers and pedestrians. The most recent statistics show there were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019. Of those killed, 135 were roadway workers. “National Work Zone Awareness Week was established with roadway workers in mind, but the statistics make it abundantly clear that everyone is at risk in work zones,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “The goal of this week is for motorists to slow when approaching and passing through roadway work zones so everyone makes it home safely.” Statistics for 2019 estimate there were 115,000 work zone crashes—27,000 of which were injury-involved crashes resulting in 39,000 injuries—underscoring the need to observe work zone speed limits and eliminate distractions when approaching and driving through work zones. This year’s National Kickoff Event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12 and is hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation VDOT. It will be held at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the Fort Monroe Continental Gazebo, 4 Fenwick Road, Hampton, Va. 23651, which overlooks the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Project. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the Fort Monroe Theater, located a few blocks from the gazebo. The event will also be streamed live. Watch for details for the livestream at NWZAW.org/participate or the ATSSA blog. Cameron Hutt of Cleveland, Tenn., a college student whose father was killed in a work zone incident in 2006, is scheduled to speak at the National Kickoff Event. Cameron is a senior studying communications at the University of Tennessee and the recipient of a Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships are awarded through The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation, the charitable arm of ATSSA. The ATSS Foundation awards scholarships to the dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents. The scholarships are competitive and have a value up to $10,000 with an additional $1,000 possible for students with a strong commitment to volunteerism. NWZAW got its start in 1997 when a group of VDOT employees in southwestern Virginia wanted to dedicate a week to raise awareness of work zone safety among all district employees ahead of the busy roadway work season. The next year, VDOT presented the idea for a national awareness campaign to the American Traffic Safety Services Association ATSSA, which, in turn, approached the Federal Highway Administration FHWA and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials AASHTO. The groups finalized plans and launched the first national kickoff event in 2000. NWZAW now includes a theme for each day. April 11 – Work Zone Safety Training Day in which companies are encouraged to pause during the workday for safety demonstrations, discussions about safety policies and other prevention steps to protect people in work zones. April 12 – National Kickoff Event as described above. In addition, departments of transportation across the country and private companies organize events in their locations. April 13 – Go Orange Day when everyone is encouraged to wear orange to show support for work zone safety and the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. Photos can be posted on social media with #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety. April 14 – Social media storm in which organizations, companies, agencies and individuals are encouraged to share messages and use hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety throughout social media between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT. April 15 – Moment of Silence. People are encouraged to take part in this new event for 2022 to remember the people who lost their lives in a work zone incident. For additional information about NWZAW and its history, check NWZAW.org. The following public service announcements are available for use by the media: “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, set for April 11-15. 762 fatal crashes occurred in work zones in 2019, killing 135 roadway workers. Join us in raising awareness of the importance of slowing your vehicle and staying alert as you approach and pass by a work zone. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. Each year, hundreds of people are killed in roadway work zones. Most of them are the drivers and their passengers trying to travel through the work zone. That means it’s critical for everyone to pay attention. “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, scheduled for April 11-15. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. “Work zones are a sign to slow down.” Work zone crashes killed 842 people in 2019, including 135 roadway workers. Most of the people killed were drivers and their passengers. So slow down and stay alert as you approach and pass by a work zone. Help spread the word during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15. For more information, visit NWZAW.org. Additional hashtags for NWZAW include: #NWZAW #SafeWorkZonesForAll #WorkZoneSafety #StandDown4Safety #SaferRoadsSaveLives #GoOrange4Safety
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A work zone tragedy shouldn’t mean the end of the dreams and aspirations for the worker’s children or spouse. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships, offered by The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation, can help put the worker’s dependents on the road to a brilliant future. Applications for the 2022-23 academic year are due by Feb. 15. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for post-high school education to the children or spouse of a roadway worker killed or permanently disabled in a work zone incident. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry from Ohio who died in 2002 as a result of an accident. A work zone tragedy shouldn’t mean the end of the dreams and aspirations for the worker’s children or spouse. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships, offered by The American Traffic Safety Services ATSS Foundation, can help put the worker’s dependents on the road to a brilliant future. Applications for the 2022-23 academic year are due by Feb. 15. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for post-high school education to the children or spouse of a roadway worker killed or permanently disabled in a work zone incident. The competitive program provides scholarships valued up to $10,000 per student each year. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry from Ohio who died in 2002 as a result of an accident. The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and has awarded $358,000 since its inception. Thirteen students are currently attending college thanks to a Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship. Two of those also received a Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarship for this school year. Hear from Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship recipients about how The ATSS Foundation scholarships helped them achieve their dreams. “It is a privilege to help the dependents of fallen or permanently injured roadway workers pursue their goals,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “But we couldn’t offer these scholarships without the generosity of individual donors, ATSSA members and sponsors of the events we hold throughout the year. Everyone’s contribution is essential to helping these worthy students pursue their dreams.” The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of ATSSA. It was formed in 1988 with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. Donations can be made at Foundation.ATSSA.com/Donate.
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