The fifth annual Dave Nelson Scholarships were presented to six students pursuing a career in the heating oil industry at the National Association of Oil Heating Service Manager’s 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show. Award winners were chosen based on essays addressing the statement “Why I want to work in the oilheat industry.”

Winners of the $2,000 scholarships are:

  • Michael McCulloch of Freehold, N.J. He plans to attend New England Fuel Institute, Watertown, Mass.

  • Joseph (Joey) Ricciardi of Yonkers, N.Y. He has attended the Saunders Career Vocational High School for four years.

  • Louis Ursitz of McDonald, Pa. He plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pa.

  • Paul Harrison of Derry, N.H. He plans to attend the NH Community Technical College, Manchester, N.H.

  • Adam Whitten of Orange, Mass. He plans to continue his education and attend New England Fuel Institute.

  • Peter Webb of Dedham, Mass. He currently attends New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, R.I.

The scholarship fund was founded in 1999 in honor of industry educator and NAOHSM member Dave Nelson, who passed away in 1998. Since then, 23 oilheat/HVAC students have shared $43,000 in scholarship funds.