It was an emotional moment for Amy and Matt Connelly to present the first-ever memorial scholarship in honor of their son to his lifelong friend.
Adam Connelly, 21, passed away in November 2022 following a car accident.
At the time, Adam was a second-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573. In his memory, the Connellys are now gifting $600 to a second-year apprentice every year for as long as they can.
“We want that person to exemplify Adam, someone who’s hard-working, quiet, humble and passionate about learning and the career,” Amy said.
Serendipitous scholarship
The 2024 recipient is Austin Claussell. His friendship with Adam goes back to fourth grade. They also played basketball together for years.
It turns out, as adults, they shared an interest in the electrical trade. Even though they were on the same level as apprentices, Claussell was inspired by his friend.
“I just know he was one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever met,” he said.
He never got the chance to work alongside Adam but always heard great things. Claussell currently works for Becdel Controls in Niles.
There’s minimal cost associated with the apprenticeship, but he plans to use the money for books and materials.
A legacy of light
Adam’s family wants his legacy to carry on through the scholarship and continue to brighten lives.
“I find it appropriate that he went into a field that would provide light. He was a light to people,” said Gretchen Schinkel, Adam’s aunt.
His mom shared an example of why the career meant so much to Adam.
“There was a customer that called us and said Adam would sit down and have lunch with her. She was older and lonely, and he would always check up on her,” she said.
Suited for the electrical trade
Adam’s dad said his son liked working with his hands and aspired to be in the trades.
“It’s something he really picked up on. He was good at math and liked being busy. He settled on being an electrician, and it was the best choice he made,” Matt said.
Before becoming an apprentice, Adam worked at Cretella Electric driving the truck and cleaning up the shop.
“He loved it there. He got to know the people in the trade, and that made him fall in love with it more,” he said.
Admirable apprentice
The sentiments about Adam’s work ethic are echoed by the Warren JATC and Local 573 leadership.
“He was what we look for in an apprentice, hard-working and dedicated to the classwork,” said Mark Phillips, president/organizer, IBEW Local 573.
“I try to stick my head into classes from time to time to see how everybody is doing. Instructors never had anything bad to say. Adam was a very upbeat young man,” said Eric Davis, training director, Warren JATC.
The Connellys said there couldn’t be a more perfect scenario for the first-time scholarship presentation.
“It’s nice to honor Adam’s dream. We’re honored that Austin was chosen,” Amy said.
NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.