Ash Grove Cement Co., a CRH company, selected Matthew Iles and Kaitlyn Watts to receive the company’s annual $1,500 intern scholarships. Established in 2007, the scholarship program recognizes students who successfully completed a summer internship with Ash Grove or one of its subsidiaries and who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in the cement industry.
Iles interned for Ash Grove at its Midlothian, Texas, cement plant and is studying chemical engineering at Kansas State University. In addition to his internship at Ash Grove, Iles also served as a volunteer for the Wamego Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.
“From the quarry supplying limestone to console operators monitoring the process, the plant has endless opportunities to learn and further one’s knowledge. For me this is critical, I enjoy learning something new each day and the cement industry provides an environment to do just that,” said Iles.
Watts interned for Ash Grove at its Overland Park, Kan., technical center and is studying chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Watts has served as a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. She also achieved the Dean’s Honor Roll at Missouri S&T.
“The combination of being around my coworkers and understanding the impact cement has on the community has furthered my interest in the field as a career because I want to put that knowledge towards making a positive impact on everyone around me,” said Watts.
Dave Ezell, vice president of human resources for Ash Grove, added, “I am always impressed by the interns’ strong work ethic and desire to learn. Student projects not only contribute to the company, but also provide for professional growth of the students.”
