James Michael Brierton Scholarship

The James Michael Brierton Scholarship is established to encourage young people to see what they can accomplish in big or small communities when they share their skills and talents. Mike Brierton came from the very small farming community of Ferris, Illinois. His family did not have much financial means but allowed their children to explore and develop their avenues of curiosity. Mike was especially curious about how things worked as well as being very talented in drawing, math, and music. Those interests drew him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Spoon River College. His first job was in Peoria, Illinois as a draftsman designing forklift trucks. That was his last job in a big city. He had various engineering jobs, mainly in the agricultural field and smaller communities. His journey eventually brought him to Abilene, Kansas, in 1982 with Abilene Equipment (in the Great Plains Manufacturing building today). In 1984 he started a part-time business providing repair parts for ground support equipment axles which eventually grew into manufacturing complete axles for the ground support business (highway construction equipment, airline support tractors, military trailers). Even since his death in June 2020, Brierton Engineering continues to thrive with the talented and dedicated employees it has employed for many years.

This scholarship was established for those who are sincere in making a difference in a community, be it large or small. You do not have to be the smartest or the best in your class; just have a desire to do your best, work hard and keep trying. A sense of humor helps, too.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Applicant must be a graduating or previous graduate of Abilene High School, Chapman High School, or Solomon High School (Kansas) or a previous graduate of Abilene High School, Chapman High School, or Solomon High School (Kansas).