2020 Hach & Rose, LLP Scholarship Honoree

Kevin Vandermark is a dedicated father who had a passion for construction and working with his hands. But due to an unfortunate accident, his life changed permanently. We are honored to recognize Mr. Vandermark’s story by naming him the honoree of this year’s Hach & Rose Annual College Scholarship.

He started his career in concrete construction straight out of high school in Laborers Local 17. His passion and aptitude for construction work caused him to move up the ranks and receive promotions to office jobs. Though these positions came with high esteem and regular hours, Mr. Vandermark missed working with his hands and chose to go back to working on construction sites.

One day, while working on a construction site as a laborer and shop steward for Laborers Local 79, he stepped on a concrete nail that had been left exposed. Trying to catch himself, his other foot landed on a piece of plywood that was covering a hole, which flipped out, causing him to fall into the hole. His left knee was permanently injured, and Mr. Vandermark had to go through two knee replacements.

He would never be able to work in construction again. As a construction laborer, his body was his primary and essential tool, which he could no longer rely upon. As a father, this realization was devastating. His first concern was how to support his family.

Today, Mr. Vandermark still suffers from moderate pain in his knee, and needs to live in a warm climate as his injury is aggravated by cold, damp weather. Fortunately, he can now live comfortably without worrying about his future. Hach and Rose is proud to name Kevin Vandermark as the 2020 honoree of the annual Hach & Rose scholarship.

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