Hesperia grad Ali Townsend wins $500 skilled trades scholarship from Pentwater Artisan Learning Center

Hesperia grad Ali Townsend wins $500 skilled trades scholarship from Pentwater Artisan Learning Center

After Pentwater Artisan Learning Center founder Gene Davidson died last October, PALC members created the Gene Davidson Engineering & Skilled Trades Fund at the Community Foundation for Oceana County. Friends and other admirers have been donating in Gene’s memory, and the first scholarship has been awarded.

Ali Townsend, who graduated from Hesperia High School in May, has been awarded a $500 scholarship. She will use it to further her education in construction, with her sights set on owning her own business.

This scholarship fund created in Gene’s honor fits squarely with his belief in the importance of the skilled trades. That’s why he founded the PALC 21 years ago as a place where knowledge is transferred from artisans to other artisans, and to those who have little or no experience. It’s located in Pentwater, but men and women from across Oceana and Mason counties are among its 250 members. More information is found at https://pentwaterartisan.org/.

More scholarships can be awarded as this fund grows. Contributions can be made to it, and applicants can apply for scholarships, through the community foundation at https://oceanafoundation.org/.