Meet the winners of the 2026 PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter Scholarship program. The following students each earned a $3,000 award to pursue higher education in a curriculum that will prepare them for a future career in the construction industry, to include engineering, safety practices, business management, and more. Awards are made possible throught the generosity and commitment of the members of the PDCA Pacific Coast Chapter, as well as those who participate in the organization's annual Scholarship Shoot each April. Congratulations to these students:
Alex Bergmann, a construction management student at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, demonstrates strong leadership, work ethic, and academic success, maintaining above a 3.0 GPA. He has relevant internship experience with Manson Construction, active participation in construction-related clubs, and a recommendation highlighting his dedication, skills, and passion for marine construction and pile driving industry.
Lily-Rose Solorzano is pursuing a B.S in Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration at Washington State University. Her studies emphasize project scheduling, estimating, contracts, safety, quality control, finance, and leadership. She aspires to leading complex infrastructure projects that enhance communities through safety, efficiency, and quality. Lily-Rose hopes to combine technical and business expertise to improve driven pile project performance. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she is committed to advancing diversity, mentorship, innovation, and leadership.
Owen Gillick is a Mechanical Engineering student at Gonzaga University, where he is preparing for a career in construction and engineering. He has gained valuable hands-on experience through his internship with Shimmick Construction on the Folsom Dam Raise Project, supporting field operations, quality control, materials, and jobsite safety. His professional interests include pile drivability analysis, equipment efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improving construction safety. Owen strives to leverage his education and experience to develop innovative practices and contribute meaningfully to America's construction industry.
Andrew Boyd maintains a 3.95 GPA and Dean's List recognition as a Construction Management student at CalPoly - San Luis Obispo. Through internships with construction firms, he has developed hands-on experience in estimating, project engineering, field coordination, and construction management. His academic and professional experiences have sparked an interest in heavy civil construction and foundation systems, including pile driving. Active in campus organizations and peer tutoring, Andrew plans to build a career in construction management and one day start his own company.
Tyler Protzbegins a general education curriculum at Butte Junior College this fall, pursuing an associate degree in Business and completing the school's welding program. By combining business education with hands-on technical training, Tyler aims to build a versatile foundation for a career in the pile driving and construction industry. He hopes to improve efficiency, productivity, and leadership by bridging technical and management responsibilities. Tyler ultimately aspires to contribute to the success of a pile driving company or establish his own business, applying his welding expertise and business knowledge to industry operations.
Caden Riddle is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Sacramento State University, where the Dean's List student maintains a 3.68. His studies emphasize engineering fundamentals, advanced mathematics, science, and continuous professional development. Caden plans to apply his engineering expertise to the pile driving and construction industry, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and improved outcomes. Ultimately, Caden hopes to remain in California after graduation and start a career which will enable him to lead collaboratively, embrace new ideas, and mentor others.
Ariana Lopez is a high-achieving student from Yuba City, CA who has become the first in her family to attend college. Presently, she attends Yuba College, and has plans to transfer to Cal State East Bay and major in communications. Ariana has a strong familiarity and connection to the pile driving industry through her father who is a foreman at Manson Construction. To date, Ariana has been recognized for leadership, teamwork, communication, and organization skills. She holds CPR/AED certification and has received awards for perfect attendance and athletic achievements.
Aaralynn McDonald-Shargots, has completed two semesters at California State University - Fullerton where she pursues coursework in public health. He has amassed extensive volunteer and leadership experience in water safety, lifeguarding, and recreation management. She emphasizes public health's role in workplace safety, focusing on preventing construction fatalities through education on hazards like falls and electrocutions, aiming to improve safety standards and reduce accidents in the pile driving industry.
Peter Ward graduated from Junipero Serra High School in 2026 with a 3.48 weighted GPA and a strong academic foundation in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. He begins studies at University of California, Berkeley this fall, where he will major in economics. Peter hopes to apply his education to the pile driving and construction industries, providing insight into market trends, economic opportunities, and job creation. By combining economic expertise with an understanding of construction, he aims to help the industry adapt to changing market demands, expand opportunities, and support workforce growth.
Griffin Tonn is a Civil Engineering student at Santa Clara University, where he is developing the technical foundation for a career in construction and the pile driving industry. His interest in engineering is rooted in a lifelong fascination with construction, design, and the importance of strong foundations. Griffin hopes to pursue an internship in the Bay Area to gain hands-on industry experience and ultimately contribute to the refurbishment and replacement of aging pilings in historic buildings and bridges. His goal is to promote safety, sustainability, and structural longevity through engineering.
Tyler Kleinsasser is pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering and engineering management at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. His education focuses on geotechnical engineering, project management, and construction equipment management, providing a strong foundation for his career. Tyler aims to work as a construction manager or design engineer on major infrastructure projects, with a long-term goal of establishing an engineering consulting firm specializing in deep foundations and pile driving. Through continuous professional development and industry involvement, he hopes to advance innovation, efficiency, and excellence throughout the pile driving industry.
