J.R. Poole, a high school senior from the Rowan-Salisbury, N.C. school system, has earned the inaugural scholarship awarded by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in the name of the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame.

Poole, who is planning to become a mechanical engineer, earned the $5,000 scholarship for an essay he wrote on why he has chosen a construction industry career.

“America’s construction industry is growing rapidly, and with this growth, the construction industry has many tremendous job opportunities,” wrote Poole. “I have always liked the construction industry, and I believe that by becoming a mechanical engineer, I can help contribute to the construction field. The construction industry offers many rewarding aspects for a job such as good pay and advancement, being able to create a better and more efficient world, and being able to see an idea become a reality.”

Poole was a participant in AEM’s recently held Construction Challenge competition at the association’s ConExpo-Con/Agg exposition in Las Vegas. Participants of the Construction Challenge who are planning a career in the construction industry were given an opportunity to submit a 750-word essay for a chance to win the scholarship.

Five finalists were selected based on their interest and enthusiasm to succeed in the construction industry. Over a two-week period prior to the show, held March 11-15, the public was invited to vote on the winning essay online via vote.conexpoconagg.com (where the essays are still available). More than 17,000 online votes were cast.

The Construction Equipment Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth of the industry, and strives to call attention to the tremendous role the industry has played, and continues to play, in economic growth and quality of life.

AEM developed the hands-on Construction Challenge competition in partnership with Destination ImagiNation to spotlight creativity and problem solving with an introduction to careers in the construction industry. More than 50 regional winning teams of high school students from across the United States participated in the finals held at ConExpo. More information about the Challenge can be found at www.ConstructionChallenge.org.

AEM vice chairman-construction Lynne Woodworth of Stone Construction Equipment (left), presents J.R. Poole, a high school senior from North Carolina, the first-ever scholarship from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers awarded in the name of the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame.