Tools scholarship aids Sagamore teen’s electrician aspirations

by Adriana Gasiewski

Coming from a long line of electrical workers and growing up working alongside his dad, Daniel Keaveny gained early exposure and appreciation for the trade, motivating him to pursue a career in the electrical field.

At 16 years old, Keaveny, of Sagamore Hills, understood a college degree doesn’t guarantee a job and saw a demand in the electrical field.

He said he had interest in becoming an electrician and wanted to prove to people that he could do it. “Even if some people may not look like they’re the sharpest tool in the shed, they can still become the thing that they desire themselves to be,” he said.

Upon graduating from the electrical systems program at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in May, Keaveny became the first recipient of the $1,000 ScripType Publishing Tools Scholarship, which he intends to use for his electrician training.

ScripType Publishing created the scholarship to help students purchase tools and equipment to begin work in their chosen field. The $1,500 ScripType Skilled Trade Scholarship assists students who are continuing their education at a college, university or technical institute with paying for tuition or books.

“There is tremendous demand for skilled trades professionals, and those careers provide excellent opportunities for young people who enjoy building, creating and solving problems,” said Tom Serdinak of ScripType Publishing. “We hope these scholarships help students take the next step toward rewarding careers while recognizing the hard work and dedication they’ve already demonstrated.”

Keaveny’s scholarship application noted he was part of CVCC’s National Technical Honor Society, made Nordonia High School’s merit roll and logged over 100 hours in community service for Nordonia High School, CVCC and Boy Scout Troop 882.

After enrolling at CVCC during his junior year of high school, Keaveny bonded with his electrical instructor Joseph McNamee, whom he viewed as a mentor.

“[McNamee’s] the best teacher I’ve ever had. He taught me a lot of the basics about the electrical field,” Keaveny said. “He taught me how to do [alternating current] theory, [direct current] theory, a lot of other things along the way, and I’m really thankful for what he’s done.”

McNamee recommended Keaveny for the scholarship, commending his consistent and steady growth throughout the electrical systems program.

“Daniel is at an excellent stage in his journey where he is ready to apply his skills in a professional environment while continuing to learn,” wrote McNamee in his recommendation. “He possesses a strong foundation and a clear desire to further his expertise and refine his employability skills. His trajectory suggests that he will be a valuable and reliable asset to any team that values a solid work ethic and a continuous desire for self-improvement.”

Following graduation from CVCC, Keaveny anticipates joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 38, a labor union with which his grandfather has ties.

“[My grandfather] was also a big electrical personnel on the aircraft carriers during the [Vietnam] war and he kind of got me in with some of his friends,” Keaveny said. “So that gives me another leeway chance into getting into the electrical field.”

He is considering continuing his apprenticeship education at Independent Electrical Contractors of Northern Ohio in Cleveland for three to five years. He intends to use his scholarship toward purchasing tools during his first two years of apprentice schooling.

Keaveny said through his education he has grown as a person and hopes people see the benefits of entering a trade field.

“The electrical field is a really good field that anybody can get into, no matter if they have the highest of minds, lowest of minds, they will train you in the best possible ways,” Keaveny said, “and you will end up becoming a very successful person in the future.”