By SHERI GASSAWAY
Assistant Editor

Students Jim Jenkins and Jonathan Hinson are the recipients of Machinists Automotive Lodge 777’s first scholarship program.

The students each received $1,000 at Local 777’s last union meeting at the District 9 union hall at 12365 St Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton. To be eligible for the scholarship, students had to be registered in a vocation technical school in one of the local’s fields.

“These were our first ever scholarship winners in our lodge’s 104-year history,” said Local 777 President Scott Hargis. “Our lodge is committed to the trades that we represent. The scholarship committee plans to educate all high school students and vocational tech students about the workers we represent at numerous companies, our lodge and our contracts that are negotiated through Machinists District 9. We will continue to grow our future.”

Jenkins, of Owensville, Mo., is studying diesel technology at State Technical College in Linn, Mo. He achieved honor roll status all four years of high school while enjoying a number of outdoor activities, woodworking and restoration projects.

Hinson, of St. Clair, Mo., is pursuing a degree in automotive technology at Rankin Technical College. During Jonathan’s high school career, he maintained honor roll for all four years, became a member of the National Honor Society, and achieved A+ status while finding time to volunteer, tutor, play music and work on a vehicle restoration project.

For more information on the new scholarship program, visit locallodge777.com/scholarship.