Patrick Grasso- W.F. Kaynor Technical High School, Eyelet Toolmaking 

Scholarship Amount:

•  Southern New England District: $250
•  PMA Educational Foundation: $250
•  Total: $500

Patrick Grasso was raised by a family of machinists and always knew he wanted to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. When it came time to begin high school, Patrick decided to continue his studies at a trade school, W.F. Kaynor Technical School. After going through an exploratory program, Patrick discovered an interest in studying manufacturing and specifically the machine shop

After a year-and-a-half of studying manufacturing, Patrick’s dad asked if he would be interested in working at Braxton Manufacturing where he is employed. After an interview and a tour of the shop, Patrick was hired as an apprentice eyelet toolmaker. Patrick has been working at Braxton for over a year-and-a-half, where he has experienced and used different machines and practices. Patrick has found working around people who have worked in the trade for a long time to be very beneficial as they teach him tips and tricks that make his work easier and better quality. Patrick is grateful for all the opportunities he has experienced and is excited to continue in the trade.

Patrick plans on continuing employment at Braxton after he graduates and completes his apprenticeship and enters the world of eyelet toolmaking. He aspires to work his way up to a class A toolmaker.

Patrick excels at school and work. In his past school year, he won a PMA scholarship for $500 that he used to purchase tools for work. He also was nominated and won the SMA student of the year award for his senior class. Academically, Patrick has achieved honors or high honors for every quarter throughout his high school career and also recently achieved the rank of eagle scout in the Scouts of America.

Congratulations, Patrick! We can’t wait to hear where the future takes you!