From the time Randy Royer was a child, he showed a strong interest in construction. His sister-in-law, Linda Lantaff, noted that he had "a passion for the trades," playing with blocks and other toys that he could use to build things. Randy pursued a building career following high school, earning an associate degree in architectural engineering technology from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in structural design and construction engineering technology. Randy became a project manager and estimator with Ames Construction, working there for nearly 30 years before his untimely death in October 2016.

When the date that would have been Randy's next birthday rolled around, his friend and fellow Ames employee, vice president Steve Burridge was thinking about him, and he called Randy's widow, Lori, to check on the family. The idea of creating a scholarship was discussed. "Randy loved working here," said Burridge.

The first Randy Royer Memorial Scholarship was given in 2017. Each scholarship is a minimum of $1,000, and to date, eight scholarships worth a total of $37,000 have been awarded. At first, the scholarship was only available to students at Randy's alma mater, Ephrata High School, but now seniors at Cocalico, Warwick, and Garden Spot high schools are also eligible. Students who plan to pursue studies in building/construction or automotive industry at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology or Pennsylvania College of Technology may apply. Lantaff noted that Thaddeus Stevens offers an early entry program for selected students who may then attend during their senior year of high school. "We have rewritten our (scholarship) eligibility requirements to allow those students to qualify," said Lantaff, who added that students in the program may receive funding during their first year at Thaddeus Stevens and then apply again for their second year at the school.

Randy's friends Eric Bensing and his wife, Denise, are part of the scholarship committee. "It's nice to do something to remember Randy and give the kids in the communities a scholarship platform," said Eric. "The scholarship requirements are tailored to Randy's interests and skillset."

Lantaff, who developed the application, said that students are asked to respond to specific questions. "We are looking for individuals who share some of the same attributes as Randy," she said. "We also are looking for individuals who demonstrate a history of interest in the field." Lantaff said one recipient was involved in bicycle repair for a nonprofit organization and now builds bicycles. Applicants must submit a high school transcript, along with their admission letter to one of the named schools.

Ames president Mark Yoder said that a company golf outing that had been held in the past was resurrected to help raise funds. "We thought to bring it back and use it for a scholarship opportunity," said Yoder. The sixth annual "Livin' the Dream" fall golf event raised more than $16,000 for the cause.

Applications for this year's scholarships are due by Sunday, June 30. More information and a downloadable application are available at http://www.amesconstructioninc.com/giving-back.