AFSCME Scholarships Promote Family

The 1998 AFSCME Family Scholarship recipients are 10 young, gifted and talented children.

The scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who are the children of AFSCME members. The $2,000 scholarships are awarded annually and are renewed for up to four years, provided that the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. Applications for next year’s winners will be accepted starting Aug. 1, 1998, and must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 1998. For information and applications, contact AFSCME’s Education Department, 1625 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687, (202) 429-1250; or download an application from our Web site. Winners will be announced by March 31, 1999.

Here are excerpts from the winners’ essays:

Shari Cuadra
Daughter of Sandra Cuadra
Kapolei, Hawaii
Hawaii Government Employees Association/Local 152

"AFSCME has opened up opportunities for my family in education. Our family has created and embraced this motto: ‘Education is a gift to yourself and no one can take knowledge away from you.’ With inspiration from my parents and motivation from AFSCME to press toward my goals without financial burdens, I plan to further my education in criminology or business. ... After gathering the right tools, I want to take the knowledge that I gain and give back to the community in hopes that I will create a better tomorrow."

Steven Dodge
Son of Leslie Dodge
Montoursville, Pa.
Local 2596 (Council 86)

"Council 13 has done much for our family and its other members. Through collective bargaining, workers have succeeded in obtaining salary increases. Higher earnings have s with a more comfortable lifestyle. ... AFSCME Council 13 improves the quality of life for all public employees and health care workers in Pennsylvania."

Christopher Hanson
Son of Michael Hanson
Duluth, Minn.
Local 66 (Council 96)

"In our house, the word ‘union’ has been a living word. It has taught me many things including respect for each other, value of a job well done, standing up for what you believe, and representing people in their struggles. ... I know that there is strength in numbers. I know that a man has worth and should be respected for what he contributes."

William Harper Jr.
Son of William Harper Sr.
Baltimore, Md.
Local 0112 (Council 92)

"Our family has bene-fited greatly from the union’s achievements and accomplishments. Working conditions are constantly upgraded and improved. My dad has received additional compensation, educational training and health care services because of the union’s hard work. ... We know without a doubt, that the union works for us. Aggressively Fighting to Satisfy its Constituency through Mighty Empowerment. That’s our AFSCME."

Robert Heath
Son of Diana Heath
East Canton, Ohio
Ohio Association of Public School Employees/Local 4

"There are many things that come to mind when I hear the word ‘union,’ but the one that sums up everything can be found on a bumper sticker. The quote is ‘The Labor Movement: The folks who brought you the weekend.’ Of course there are many things that help support my love for unions: pension, job security, benefits, and the right to free speech are just a few, but the most important of all is family."\

Mary Laguna
Daughter of Peter Laguna
So. Milwaukee, Wis.
Local 883 (Council 48)

"As a young girl, I had little knowledge of my father’s union or its purpose. ... But I do remember those summer union picnics. ... My awareness of the union changed in the spring of 1993 when my father was diagnosed with cancer. Within days, without fanfare or solicitation, the men in the Street Department offered up their sick days — an unprec-edented act in this city. My father had his surgery and recovered free from financial concerns. ... I’m happy to say he is still in remission since returning to work in 1994. ... The union picnics may fade from my memory, but our family will never forget the generosity and sincere concern of Local 883 members. Their brand of unionism is about much more than issues in the workplace. It is about humanity!"

Tamara Plummer
Daughter of Jennifer Carroll
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Local 371 (D.C. 37)

"I remember the day our family participated at one of the solidarity marches on Washington. It was truly a powerful day. ... People of all colors, creeds, religions and races came from all sections of the country. Each may have come for their own personal reason, but there was one thing that united us all and that was the union. ... I walked away with a lot more than just a copy of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. I walked away knowing that his dream was being realized and eventually it would not be a dream anymore."

Kylene Riley
Daughter of Claudia Riley
Fredonia, N.Y.
Civil Service Employees Association/Local 1000

"I always knew that my mother belonged to a union, but for years, I never knew exactly what a union was. I never really paid attention until my aunt became seriously ill. My mother wanted to be with her sister at the hospital, but only had one-week’s vacation leave. The union secured her additional days off and guaranteed that her job would still be there when she came back. Unfortunately, my aunt died. But the very next day, my mom’s co-worker stopped by our house with an envelope to assist with my aunt’s memorial fund. The worker once again assured us that my mom’s job was safe."

La’Julia Swanigan
Daughter of Gloria Hinton
Detroit, Mich.
Local 1023 (Council 25)

"The union continues to enforce the contract and labor laws to the benefit of my family. ... Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, my parents do not have to work long hours, ensuring them a sufficient amount of quality time to spend with the family. If my parents have to work overtime, this act provides that they would get paid time and one half. ... This knowledge helped me to understand that when I started working 20 hours a week I was entitled to fair wages and work hours. My employer had to pay me minimum wage — $5.15 an hour. This act keeps employers from exploiting teenagers."

Marisa Veltri
Daughter of Lorena Veltri
Washington Township, N.J.
Local 3499 (Council 52)

"AFSCME has had a great influence on my family. My mother has worked at Bergen Pines County Hospital where my grandmother had worked for over 28 years. Now my aunt works there and is also a member of the union. Life has been a bit easier for them because the union has helped them realize their potential."