In 2018, Norris Inc. launched its inaugural Technology Scholarship by awarding two Maine high school seniors with a $1,000 cash award based on scholastic merit as well as planned areas of study.
Applying students were asked to write an essay describing why they should be the recipient.
The scholarships were awarded to Josh Libby of Windham High School and James Walker of Skowhegan Area High School.
Now in their second years at their respective schools, Norris decided to check in with the winners. Messages to Libby were not returned.
Originally, Walker explained his detailed plan for success included working as an electrician’s helper at local general contractor and windmill power specialists Reed & Reed and also working at his father’s electrician business K&J Electric.
“This kind of support is important to me and my family because I am paying for my college and did not qualify for much financial aid. I greatly appreciate this scholarship because it will very much help me toward paying for my education,” Walker said in our original coverage. “By working out in the field I will gain knowledge that will help me in college.”
Our brief follow-up interview with Walker follows:
NI: Where did you decide to go to school and what year are you now?
JW: I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Maine at
Orono.
NI: Have you declared a major?
JW: I’m an electrical engineering major.
NI: What science/engineering type classes are you taking?
JW: I’m currently taking a circuit analysis course as well
as a sequential logic course. In the past, I’ve taken a C language programming
course as well as a basic introduction to electrical engineering class.
NI: How are you enjoying your studies?
JW: So far I’m really enjoying my time here and I find all of my classes super interesting. I’m currently a resident assistant on campus this year and I get to help the new students adapt to college life.
NI: Have your plans changed from when you first got the Norris Scholarship?
JW: I had an internship this summer working as a field engineer on a wind farm in New Hampshire. I’m considering studying wind energy, but I’m still looking at options.
Keep up the good work, James! Stay tuned for announcements of future Norris Scholarship programs.
What is Norris all about?
Norris, Inc.—a South Portland, Maine-based life-safety and security systems integrator with satellite offices in Bangor, Maine; Lee, New Hampshire; and Burlington, Vermont—was founded nearly 40 years ago by two brothers, Brad and Harty Norris. The brothers remain on the board of directors today and continue to help steer the enterprise toward its goal of advancing life-safety, security, and communications while striving to grow in its status as Northern New England’s leading systems integrator. Norris provides fully integrated life-safety and security solutions, comprising disparate systems including fire alarm, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, communications, and emergency notification and total systems integration via the Vigilance Systems Integration Engine and ENS. Want to become part of the Norris family? We’re hiring!
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