JR Poole, a senior from East Rowan High School won AEM's inaugural scholarship for an essay he wrote.

A high school student from North Carolina has won the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)'s inaugural scholarship worth USD5,000.

JR Poole, a senior from East Rowan High School won the scholarship for an essay he wrote on why he has chosen a construction industry career. Poole plans to become a mechanical engineer.

He wrote: "America's construction industry is growing rapidly, and with this growth, the construction industry has many tremendous job opportunities. I have always liked the construction industry, and I believe that by becoming a mechanical engineer, I can help contribute to the construction field.

"The construction industry offers many rewarding aspects for a job such as good pay and advancement, being able to create a better and more efficient world, and being able to see an idea become a reality."

Poole participated in AEM's Construction Challenge competition at the association's CONEXPO-CON/AGG expo in Las Vegas (Forkliftaction.com News #352).

Participants who were planning a construction industry career were given the opportunity of submitting a 750-word essay for a chance to win the scholarship.

Five finalists were selected on the basis of their interest and enthusiasm. Two weeks before the 11-15 March expo, the public voted on the winning essay via the CONEXPO-CON/AGG website. Over 17,000 online votes were cast.