FAIRMONT – Jahkari Mesidor is flying high these days.
Mesidor, an aviation maintenance student at Pierpont Community and Technical College, was named a New Century Workplace Pathway Scholar – after marking the highest score in West Virginia in a competition hosted by Phi Theta Kappa, the national service honorary.
He’ll receive a $1,500 scholarship for his achievement. The Workplace Pathway award is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and the Coca-Cola Foundation.
Phi Theta Kappa, which is recognized as the official honor society for two-year schools, has more than 4 million members across the globe, while boasting 1,250 chapters in 11 countries.
“I had no clue how big this award really is,” said Mesidor, who will graduate in May from Pierpont’s aviation maintenance technology program and just had a job interview with Pratt & Whitney, the aerospace manufacturer.
He’ll be recognized during a national Phi Theta Kappa event this month in Baltimore.
Meanwhile, he plans on working in the field while pursuing an engineering degree, he said.
“This scholarship will help me pay for my next aviation license test so I can continue moving toward my goal.”
North-central West Virginia is home to a burgeoning aerospace and avionics industry and Mesidor’s soon-to-be alma mater is a key hub in the effort.
“The program has given me every opportunity to become the best mechanic I can be,” he said.
Consider the scholarship recipient cleared for takeoff, said Jennifer Ellison, who is interim dean of Pierpont’s School of General Education and Professional Studies.
Mesidor, she said, embodies the academic and professional philosophies of the school.
“We’re thrilled to see Jahkari recognized at the national level,” she said. “His willingness to mentor peers and his commitment to the aviation profession truly set him apart.”
