Winners All
By Susan Ellen Holleran
The 10 recipients of 2002 AFSCME Family Scholarships are scattered across the country and come from diverse backgrounds. But they all have one thing in common: timely help from AFSCME. Their touching essays — see excerpts below — describe the impact the union has had on their families. Each winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years, for full-time course work toward a college degree.
Michael Arnold, son of Bruce Arnold, Oregon Local 3336 (Council 75).
Dad ... came away with other impressions from his first strike. ... His appreciation for the Bill of Rights increased. ... I have learned that my Dad has volunteered some time to make our state and country a better place. AFSCME doesn't always win, but it would never win if it conceded to the Sizemores and Norquists [anti-union crusaders] of the world."
Sophia Dubrovsky, daughter of Semyon Dubrovsky, Connecticut Local 1303-064 (Council 4).
AFSCME helped me realize the possibilities of fighting for what I believe in. This union means more to me than just an organization. It is my family's security blanket. My father was able to gain respect, and I became motivated by reading about the trials [struggles] of AFSCME leaders. Simply from applying for this scholarship, I learned a small piece of who I am.
Zachary Heckert, son of James Heckert, Minnesota Local 607 (Council 6).
The events of September 11th caused people to question the appropriateness of a [Minnesota 2001] state strike. It seemed insensitive and un-American. I didn't see it that way. I was very proud to watch my Dad carry his picket sign and fight for his beliefs. The right to express different views ... is what separates us as a democracy from a dictatorship.
Kenyeta Hillery, daughter of Tamela Mitz, Maryland Local 1427 (Council 92).
[Hillery's mother was fired during her first week at work and called her union representative.] Whoever wrote up the [disciplinary] form actually put in writing the real reason why she was fired ... her religious beliefs. My mother brought the written proof to his office the next day, and he said, "We've got a case." ... AFSCME fought and won the battle to get my mother's job back.
Marcus Houston, son of Rondlyn Houston, Louisiana Local 2680 (Council 17).
Being a union member gave my mother [a nurse] the backbone and confidence needed to stand up and verbalize her opinions and concerns for herself and her patients without being afraid. ... I will always remember how the AFSCME union helped me by playing a part in my mother becoming the great person and emergency-room nurse that she is today.
Kassie Kallin, daughter of Karl Kallin, Montana Local 2774 (Council 9).
Just as AFSCME has provided job security for my father, it has provided him with better work hours. [In his last job] his hours were sporadic, and it was never a guarantee that he would ... make it to my school events or home for dinner. Now that he works at an AFSCME job, the family can rest assured: Father will be home for dinner.
Ratasha Rhodes, daughter of Sheila Rhodes, Hawaii Local 152.
[Through a "Welfare to Work" program, her mother became a state employee.] My mother's wages helped us save up enough money for my father to go back to school. Although [he] is still disabled, he is now attending Heald College part-time. AFSCME enabled my family to confront adversity, to face challenges and to enjoy our successes.
Karl Riley, son of Ruth Riley, Nevada Local 4041.
In 1992, my mother was informed that [her] institution would be closing. ... Only a certain amount of workers would be able to transfer. ... My mother, who held seniority and [had] great character, was one of those who had survived. AFSCME assured [her] equal opportunity for a job instead of the possible nepotism that she could have faced.
Jaison Varughese, son of Aleyamma Varughese, New York Civil Service Employees Association/Local 1000
"Smile," the photographer shouted, but I refused like I did every year. ... That was until AFSCME swooped in as if it was a super hero and literally saved the day. They offered to pay the full fee for installing [my] braces. ... Now I am much more confident in talking to others. I even had the courage to join the debate team and won several competitions.
Diana Vu, daughter of Denise Lam, California Local 101 (Council 57).
Although my mother may not speak English very well, within the union she can find a very forceful voice. AFSCME has the strength and the means to express the problems and worries that may plague many a worker. ... My mother has always been a stable and strong force in my life, and it is wonderful that there is a stable and strong force to help her at her workplace.
2003 Scholarship Program
AFSCME awards 10 Family Scholarships each year. To be eligible for the 2003 awards, the applicant must be a high school senior who is graduating in the spring of 2003 and whose parent or guardian is an AFSCME member. Applications will be available Aug. 1. Dec. 31, 2002, is the deadline for submission. Contact AFSCME's Education Department, 1625 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687, or call (202) 429-1250. Family Scholarship applications can also be downloaded from AFSCME's website.
