In 2012, long time SCFB member, Mr. Brad Mularcik of Copley, began teaching the Welding Merit Badge for the Boy Scouts of America. A self- taught hobby welder, Mr. Mularcik believed that he knew enough about welding to introduce kids to it. Teaching the merit badge caused him to become aware of the skills gap in America and the need for more young people to enter the skilled trades, particularly welding.
Despite having a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mr. Mularcik believes that a college degree is not the only path to success, that there is too little attention paid to the skilled trades as a career choice for young people and decided to put his money where his mouth is by offering a $1,000.00 scholarship to help young people of Summit County Ohio who are seeking a career in welding.
Mr. Mularcik established this fund to provide scholarship support to deserving individuals seeking a degree and/or advanced training in the field of welding. The annual distribution shall provide at least one $1,000.00 scholarship to a student who meets the selection criteria:
- Recipient must be a resident of Summit County, Ohio.
- Recipient must be a high school graduate or individual enrolled in or plan to enroll in a post-secondary vocational training program, college, or university in the United States seeking accreditation, certification, or a degree related to welding.
The Mularcik Welding Scholarship recipient for 2025 is Samantha Kaufman, daughter of Sandra and Ronald Kaufman of New Franklin. A 3.675 senior who recently graduated Cum Laude from Northwest High School. Samantha participated in soccer, basketball, choir and drama throughout her high school years, receiving multiple recognition awards. When not busy with her many school activities, she volunteered at the church soup kitchen, as well as working a part-time job. While attending RG Drage Technical Career Center, she was the lead welder on a sculpture for a local high school, working directly with the artist. Samantha will be attending Hobart’s Institute of Welding Technology in October and is looking forward to perfecting her skills.
