Some students are still figuring out their path after high school.

Max already knows his.

As this year’s trade scholarship recipient, Max Psicihulis is preparing to begin a Heavy Equipment Operator apprenticeship and start building his future in the skilled trades.

For Max, this path didn’t happen by accident. It reflects years of hard work, responsibility, and a willingness to step in and do the work that needs to be done.

A Clear Direction and Strong Work Ethic

Since he was young, Max has known he wanted to work in the trades. That sense of direction has shaped the choices he’s made throughout high school and continues to guide where he wants to go next.

Outside of school, Max has built a strong foundation through hands-on responsibility. He raises ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and goats while actively participating in 4-H and exhibiting projects at the Waukesha County Fair. He also serves as a Youth Poultry Leader, helping guide and support younger members in the program.

In addition, Max has spent the past two years working at Salentine Family Farms, developing the kind of work ethic and reliability that are essential in the skilled trades.

In a time when skilled trades are in growing demand, students like Max represent an important part of the future workforce. These careers require commitment, responsibility, and hands-on problem solving—qualities he has already demonstrated throughout high school.

But what stands out about Max goes beyond his work experience.

For the past three years, he has been actively involved in Best Buddies, building friendships and helping create a more inclusive environment for fellow students. His experiences there helped shape the kind of person he is today—someone who values connection, responsibility, and showing up for others.

One of Max’s teachers, who worked with him over multiple years, described him as a model student—not just academically, but in the way he collaborates with others, takes initiative, and follows through on commitments.

Those qualities matter in every career path, but especially in the trades, where reliability, teamwork, and trust are essential every single day.

Preparing for the Next Step

Max Psicihulis is preparing to begin a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator apprentice, taking the next step toward the future he has been working toward for years.

Beginning a career in the trades often means entering the workforce immediately after graduation. Unlike many traditional college paths, students are frequently expected to have tools, safety equipment, and other essentials from the very beginning.

For Max, this scholarship helps ease some of those early financial pressures so he can focus on starting his apprenticeship and continuing to build toward the future he has worked hard to achieve.

More importantly, it represents something bigger than financial support alone. It’s a recognition of the work, responsibility, and determination he has already shown throughout his high school years.

Why Stories Like Max’s Matter

Max’s story is exactly why this scholarship exists.

Each year, students apply who are ready to enter the trades, begin apprenticeships, and start building meaningful careers. They are motivated, hardworking, and ready to contribute to their communities.

But for many students, financial barriers can make those first steps more difficult than they should be.

That is why continued trade scholarship funding matters.

Support from alumni, community members, and local businesses helps create opportunities for students like Max to take that next step with confidence and begin building their future right here in our community.

If you would like to help support future students pursuing careers in the skilled trades, your contribution makes a direct impact.

→ Support Future Scholarships