Congratulations to Jake Prout on receiving one of the Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarships at MCAA26 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 18.

Armistead Mechanical Inc. and Susan Armistead established two $5,000 scholarships to commemorate Robert T. Armistead and to honor his memory. These scholarships will symbolize “Bob’s” leadership, dedication and impact on the mechanical contracting industry. Robert Armistead served as MCAA President in 2010, and the scholarship is open to students who have served as their Student Chapter President.

Jake graduated from Kent State University in May with a degree in construction management.  He has been a member of the student chapter at Kent State University since 2022 and has served as the chapter’s Competition Chair, Vice President and President. This summer, he will be starting as a full-time Project Engineer with MCAA Member, Prout Boiler Heating & Welding, Inc.

“Through my student chapter at Kent State University I have gained some of the best friends I’ll ever have. The relationships I shared with my fellow student chapter members, personally and professionally, make it all worthwhile. From the late nights working on our competition packet to the trips we shared in the fall and spring, they are all memorable experiences.

"What I like about the mechanical industry is being faced with new projects that all have unique traits to them. Today you see lots of buildings being copied and pasted and having multiple projects with the same scope down to the specs. However, with mechanical, you have a lot more options, especially when estimating. I also like the medical side of construction. Certain types of fixtures have to be used for certain areas and floors of hospitals. I also like watching welding. It is a very cool process and every time I witness it, I want to go over and try it out. 

"Lastly, I love the generosity mechanical construction has to offer. Seeing our company donate to local hospitals, charities, high schools, and the Kent State Construction Management organization has made me a better person who wants to build a better community.”

View additional information on JRGF Scholarships, or make a donation to the foundation for a research project, initiative, scholarship or cause here.