Foundation scholarship helps student follow dream

The transition from high school student to college student is often a difficult change for many young men and women. By the time one calculates the increased difficulty and workload in the various studies, the additional responsibilities of being a young adult and the high cost of education and student lifestyles, the daunting challenge becomes evident.

With these hurdles, students often need to rely on help from their families, and, if they're fortunate and have worked hard, outside opportunities such as scholarships, awards and recommendations which can help ease the burden.

Dillan Hartsfield, a 2008 Rector High School grad, was Rector's first recipient of the RHS Helping Hands Foundation scholarship, awarded last spring. The scholarship provided $2,000 for his first year of study and has been renewed for his second year.

Hartsfield knows full well the high cost of furthering his education. He was one of only 16 applicants accepted into the Oklahoma State University Division of Automotive/HEVI Technology in Okmulgee, Okla. The two-year program continues straight through the summer months, essentially condensing four years' worth of higher education into two. Dillan is working toward an Associate's Degree in Applied Science while majoring in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Tech.

"There's a lot of work involved," Hartsfield said. "I stay pretty busy. It's what I want to do, though, so it's not too overwhelming."

The program is difficult to join. Applicants are required to score at least a 20 on the ACT, obtain three letters of recommendation, meet the required grade point average, and be nominated by a heavy equipment sponsor. Hartsfield was nominated by the J.A. Riggs Company of Jonesboro. In fact, Hartsfield was so impressive when seeking a nomination, the company already has offered to hire him immediately upon his graduation.

With the way the program is set up, Hartsfield attends classes for two months, then does an internship through the Caterpillar Company for two months. The course study and internship continue year-round on a two-month cycle.

"The internship is basically just going to work for the company," Hartsfield said. "You wear your work clothes and you're there to do the job. It gives you a lot of hands-on experience."

The program is designed to upgrade the technical competency and proficiency level of incoming Caterpillar dealership technicians. Students are being trained to analytically diagnose, service and maintain Caterpillar products using recommended procedures, special tools and service information.

Aside from the traditional cost of taking classes, the program requires its students to purchase a required number of tools by the start of the second semester. These specialized heavy equipment tools have an approximate cost of $10,000.

Hartsfield said he was pleasantly surprised when he learned recently that his Helping Hands Foundation scholarship had been extended to include his second year of study.

"I just want to thank the entire Helping Hands Foundation for all they've done, not only for me, but everyone they've helped. They're making a difference in our lives. I can't tell them how much that means."

Hartsfield also received a $2,500 scholarship from the J.A. Riggs Company and a $1,000 USDA/Clay County Conservation Department Scholarship.

He says he wants to return to Rector when he graduates.

"I plan to come back and open up my own shop. That's my home and it's where I want to be. Our community has been so good to me during my life and I want to do what I can to return the favor. I'd like to be in a position to help others in the community someday."