Sid had struggled all of his life between foster care group homes and years of crippling drug abuse. He never thought he was smart enough to finish school. Then he found Davis Tech and with a scholarship from the Davis Technical College Foundation, he was able to enter the certified nursing assistant program. 

Sid’s story and other successes were shared at the annual Life-Changer luncheon held last week at Davis Tech that honors those organizations that have made a commitment to changing students’ lives. 

“Over the last 25 years, Davis Technical College Foundation, and its many donors, have contributed over $3 million in scholarships to help students achieve their education goals and secure successful careers,” said Foundation Director Lindsey Rees. “We receive so many letters from students who are thankful for the support and couldn’t have gone to college without a scholarship. We are grateful to all the contributors throughout the years and the many companies honored today. They are the heart and soul of our community, and we couldn’t do it without them.” 

Rees said in the past 25 years, the Foundation has received nearly $1 million in in-kind donations from industry partners. “They’ve given students access to cutting edge equipment, from sponges and gloves for surgical tech to wire for electrical apprentice to a new Volkswagen Tiguan from Young Automotive for our automotive tech school. Every donation makes a difference.”

The five honorees are:

• Renishaw, Industry Partner Award

• Snow College, Education Partner Award

• Division of Facilities Construction and Management, President’s Award

“We are honored to receive the Haven J. Barlow Legacy Award in recognition of our shared commitment to education and community service,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Davis Technical College Foundation, we remain dedicated to supporting the next generation of learners and leaders, continuing the legacy of giving that Haven J. Barlow championed.” 

“So I’m one of those students that has been awarded scholarships,” said Dominick Amarel, the Davis Tech Health Professions Student of the Year. “So I would like to thank you all for that. I want to speak today about the profound impact Davis Technical College and their scholarships have had on my life.”

Amarel said a few years ago he found himself in a dark place. “Addiction had taken hold of my life, casting a shadow over my dreams and aspirations. I was lost, adrift, without direction or purpose. It felt as though I was stuck in a never ending cycle, unable to break free.”

During this difficult time, Amarel said he learned about Davis Tech and the opportunities it offered. “I decided to take a leap of faith, hoping that education could be the beacon of light that I so desperately needed. Little did I know that this decision would be the turning point in my life. The scholarships provided by Davis Tech played a crucial role in my transformation.”

Not only did they alleviate a financial burden that often accompanies higher education, it also sent a powerful message, he said. “Someone believed in me. This belief was the spark that ignited a newfound sense of purpose and determination within me.” λ