2025 Scholarship Recipients

IAPD scholarships are funded by donations from IAPD member companies and individuals in the performance plastics industry, as well as IAPD and its for-profit subsidiary, Association Services International.

IAPD – The Performance Plastics Association is pleased to award a 2025 scholarship in amounts of up to US$3,500 to the following students:

Layanne Abdallatif


  • Read More

    Layanne Abdallatif is the daughter of Yasir Abdallatif, an employee of Primex Corporation. She recently graduated from Clifton High School in Clifton, NJ, and will begin her freshman year at Seton Hall University this fall, where she plans to major in biology and pursue a career as a physician's assistant.

    Graduating with a 93% grade point average, Abdallatif was consistently recognized for her academic success. She received Distinguished Honors and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Her coursework included participation in an early college program, which further prepared her for her future in the sciences.

    Abdallatif has also been highly engaged in both school-related and community activities. She was an active member of the Muslim Student Association for all four years of high school and participated in the Pre-Med Club, Badminton Club and the early college program. Outside of school, she played volleyball at Side Out Sports and volunteered with the girl’s youth program at her religious institute. She has spent four summers volunteering with the Palestinian American Community Center’s youth programs.

    In her scholarship essay, Abdallatif focused on the importance of performance plastics in her daily life, particularly the role of plastic eyeglass lenses. She shared how, as someone born with poor vision, receiving glasses later in life significantly improved her ability to see, learn and engage in daily activities. “Since the materials are lightweight and durable,” she wrote, “my glasses are very comfortable even after long hours.” She emphasized how the durability and flexibility of performance plastics have made her glasses a long-lasting, functional and even stylish tool for learning and living.

    “Without my glasses,” she added, “I would not have had as many opportunities as I do today.” Her essay illustrated how performance plastics not only empower her academic pursuits but also support her health, safety and confidence.

Brylie Andersen 


  • Read More

    Brylie Andersen will begin her freshman year at South Dakota State University this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in marketing with a minor in sales.

    Andersen recently graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, IA, where she maintained a 3.95 GPA and graduated first in her class. Her transcript includes a mix of traditional coursework and dual-enrollment college classes through Des Moine Area Community College in areas such as business, composition, economics and management, showcasing her academic ambition and readiness for college-level work.

    Throughout high school, Andersen was deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. She was a member of FFA for three years, served as an FFA officer and participated in 4-H for eight years, holding several leadership positions, including vice president, treasurer and historian. She was also a member of the Iowa Meat Goat Association, Junior American Boer Goat Association, parliamentary procedure and soil judging teams and various sports and youth groups.

    Her achievements in livestock showing are particularly noteworthy. Andersen has earned numerous state and national titles in market and breeding goat competitions, including Champion Market Goat Showman at the All-Iowa Showdown and Grand Champion Breeding Doe at the Iowa State Fair. She has also received recognition as Overall High Point Exhibitor and Reserve Champion Senior Showman, among many other honors. In addition to her success in the show ring, Andersen gives back to her community by hosting goat showmanship workshops and volunteering with youth programs and agriculture camps.

    In her scholarship essay, Andersen wrote about the Sullivan Supply Smart Comb, a durable, safe and performance-driven plastic grooming tool that has been a staple in her daily routine since she began showing livestock. She described how this bright blue comb has been by her side through every show season, offering not just functionality but symbolic value. “Through showing livestock,” she wrote, “I have met the most influential people in my life... I will always be grateful for the day that I acquired my new bright blue Sullivan Supply Smart Comb, for it taught me the most valuable life lessons while introducing me to the people I never knew I needed.”

Noah Cochran


  • Read More

    Noah Cochran is the son of Nicole Cochran, an employee of Röchling Industrial Gastonia.

    Cochran recently graduated from Lincoln Charter School in Denver, NC, where he maintained a 3.95 unweighted GPA and ranked 28th in his class. His strong academic record included rigorous coursework in advanced placement and honors subjects such as AP Chemistry, AP Precalculus, Physics, and dual-enrollment English and history classes. He earned a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.53.
    In the fall, Cochran will begin his freshman year at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he plans to major in engineering. His goal is to develop skills that allow him to tackle complex problem-solving challenges and succeed in a dynamic engineering career.

    Outside the classroom, Cochran demonstrated commitment and teamwork as a four-year member of his high school varsity tennis team, where he helped lead the team to a 2A state final appearance and was recognized as team MVP. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and volunteers his time building theater sets for school productions.

    Cochran works as a tennis coach and court maintenance staff member at Westport Swim and Tennis, where he teaches lessons and ensures the courts remain in top condition for members.

    In his scholarship essay, Cochran wrote about the value of performance plastics in everyday life, highlighting the humble but essential role of plastic cutting boards in his kitchen. He praised their durability, affordability and ease of cleaning, sharing how these tools support his daily cooking routine. Cochran noted, “They’re easy to clean, affordable and practical… It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience and durability, and for me, plastic hits that sweet spot.”

Connor Devine


  • Read More

    Connor Devine recently graduated from Pittsfield High School in Pittsfield, MA, where he maintained a 101.1 GPA on a 100-point scale and ranked 10th in his class of 144 students. In the fall, he will begin his freshman year of college and plans to major in mechanical engineering, with the goal of pursuing a career in the automotive industry. He will be attending Colorado State University in the fall.

    Devine’s strong academic performance is matched by his active participation in school and community activities. He served as co-president of the Pep Club and was a dedicated member of the Class Council, Best Buddies, and National Honor Society. A talented athlete, he played varsity baseball and soccer while also participating in American Legion and travel baseball leagues. He balances school and sports with part-time jobs and regularly volunteers with Pittsfield Youth Sports and community improvement projects.

    In his scholarship essay, Devine recounted a car accident that occurred while driving to breakfast with his soccer teammates. Thanks to performance plastic components, particularly the airbag system and fender structures, everyone involved walked away without injury. His reflection on the importance of plastics in automotive safety and fuel efficiency highlights the crucial role of these materials in everyday life. As Devine wrote, “Safety is one of the most important feelings we need in our lives, and performance plastics ensure we have the luxury of safe automobiles throughout the world.”

Margaret Gose


  • Read More

    Margaret Gose will begin her freshman year this fall at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, where she plans to major in digital marketing with a minor in sales.

    A recent graduate of Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, MI, Gose maintained a 4.05 GPA and ranked 19th in her class. Her academic record includes rigorous coursework such as AP Biology, AP Language and Composition and dual-enrollment college algebra. She has earned numerous honors, including Highest Honors, the Scholar-Athlete Award and leadership positions in clubs and athletics.

    Gose’s leadership and service are evident in her extracurriculars. She served as Vice President of the Junior Class and was the founder and President of her school’s DECA chapter, where she developed skills in marketing and business leadership. She was a captain of both the varsity girls golf and tennis teams, a section leader in the Aristocrats choral ensemble and an enthusiastic participant in theatre and cheerleading. She also founded a small charity, Kicks for Kids, and interned at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce.

    In her scholarship essay, Gose described the critical role performance plastics play in managing her mother’s Type 1 diabetes. Specifically, she highlighted the life-changing impact of her mother’s insulin pump, which relies on high-quality plastic components for its tubing and delivery systems. Gose shared how these advancements have allowed her mother to live more freely and enabled her family to regain peace of mind and normalcy in their daily lives. “Thanks to these advancements, I am able to experience things I could have missed,” Gose wrote. “I can finally enjoy being a kid again, without the constant worry that one day, I might lose my mom due to a preventable health crisis.”

Mary Hagey


  • Read More

    Mary Hagey is the daughter of Becky Hagey, an employee of Schupan Aluminum and Plastic Sales.

    Hagey is currently a junior at Michigan State University, where she is pursuing a degree in supply chain management with a minor in health promotion. She is a member of the MSU Honors College and has consistently achieved academic excellence, earning a 3.95 GPA and a place on the Dean’s List for every semester of her college career.

    Hagey’s academic accomplishments are matched by her dedication to leadership and service. She serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the Supply Chain Management Association and is active in the MSU Residential Business Community and Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence. She also participated in the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator, where she explored the intersection of business leadership and impact.

    Her professional experience includes internships with Abbott, Parker Hannifin and Eli Lilly, where she applied her classroom knowledge to real-world supply chain operations. Hagey also worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS, further deepening her understanding of healthcare logistics.

    In her scholarship essay, Hagey reflected on the impact of performance plastics through a surprising lens: her laptop keyboard. She detailed how acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate plastics provide the durability, comfort and responsiveness that make her daily work possible. She emphasized the value of sustainability in material choices, writing, “Innovations in material science can promote eco-friendly solutions without sacrificing functionality or quality.”

    Hagey noted that her keyboard is more than a tool, it’s a symbol of how performance plastics support productivity and long-term success. Her passion for sustainable supply chain solutions aligns closely with the values of the performance plastics industry and reflects the kind of forward-thinking leadership IAPD is proud to support.

Matthew McDevvit


  • Read More

    Matthew McDevitt is the son of Stephen McDevitt, an employee of NewAge Industries, Inc. 

    McDevitt is entering his senior year at York College of Pennsylvania in York, PA, USA, where he is pursuing a degree in civil engineering with a minor in sustainability/environmental studies. He has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and has earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester of his college career. 

    With a passion for infrastructure and environmental responsibility, McDevitt is preparing for a career in water resources engineering. He has demonstrated strong leadership and academic excellence, earning accolades such as the Engineering Society of York Award for Civil Engineering, the Sardari and Saroj Khanna Award for Physics and the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (Council Winner). 

    McDevitt’s involvement extends beyond academics. He has served as president and treasurer of the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter and participated in several campus clubs including the Scout Club and Rock Climbing Club. His practical experience includes internships with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., along with volunteer work through PennDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program and York College’s Spartan Volunteer Network. 

    In his scholarship essay, McDevitt reflected on the significance of his hard hat — constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) — as an essential piece of performance plastic. He described it as both a symbol and a tool of safety and innovation in civil engineering, offering protection, comfort and even environmental sustainability through recyclable materials. His thoughtful insights show how performance plastics play a critical role in creating safe, sustainable infrastructure.

Meghan McGee


  • Read More

    Meghan McGee, who recently graduated from a homeschool program in Richmond, VA, will begin her freshman year at Christopher Newport University this fall, where she plans to major in business marketing.

    McGee maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and was consistently named to the Honor Roll. Her impressive academic record is matched by her commitment to leadership, service and community engagement. She has been involved in speech and debate, soccer and basketball, and was a Virginia Healthy Living Ambassador through 4-H for three years. Her dedication to workforce development is demonstrated through her participation in the Girl Ambassador program, a readiness initiative for young women.

    McGee has built a strong resume of volunteer and work experience. She served as a volunteer soccer coach, assisted with programs at the Moton Museum and was a Teen Summit coordinator for Girls for a Change. Her professional experience includes internships with Virginia Commonwealth University and Emerge Construction Group, where she gained firsthand exposure to business operations and project management. Currently, she serves as a peer advisor for Girls for a Change, helping other young women develop their leadership skills.

    In her scholarship essay, McGee reflected on the significance of performance plastics in everyday life, particularly focusing on her half-gallon reusable water bottle. She described how the durable plastic bottle helps her stay hydrated, saves money and supports a sustainable lifestyle. “Constantly buying disposable water bottles is also bad for the environment,” she wrote. “The money I save helps me contribute toward educational expenses. Some people may think that the savings aren’t worth the hassle, but for future college students, every little bit helps.”

Kathryn McVicar


  • Read More

    Kathryn McVicar has been awarded the Howard J. Natal Scholarship. McVicar is the daughter of James McVicar, an employee of Primex Plastics.

    She is entering her sophomore year at Loyola University Chicago, where she is pursuing a biology degree on the pre-medical track. With a 4.0 GPA, she has already demonstrated exceptional academic ability and a deep commitment to her studies. She is a member of Loyola’s Honors Program and was awarded the university’s highest merit-based scholarship based on her outstanding high school record.

    A graduate of St. Charles North High School in Saint Charles, IL, McVicar finished high school magna cum laude and was a member of the Science, Math and French National Honor Societies. She has continued to demonstrate leadership and involvement in college, participating in CRU, a faith-based organization and accepting a student leadership role for the upcoming school year.
    Outside of the classroom, McVicar is an active volunteer, contributing her time to Feed My Starving Children and working at Duke’s Northwoods restaurant when home on break. Her commitment to academic excellence is evident in her self-motivation and resilience, especially in the face of chronic migraines that have impacted her education since the fifth grade.

    In her scholarship essay, McVicar described the significant role that plastic eyeglass lenses have played in her academic journey. Diagnosed with migraines at a young age, she found that screen time and visual strain made daily learning difficult. The introduction of prescription glasses, made with performance plastic lenses, helped alleviate these struggles. “Rather than squinting each time I open my computer, I can allow my eyes to relax because my glasses are doing the hard work,” she wrote. McVicar eloquently explored how two small plastic lenses have had a profound impact, not only on her ability to study but also on her quality of life.

    She also reflected on how her growing appreciation for science has deepened her connection to her father’s career in plastics. “I never felt overly connected to my dad’s world of plastic,” she wrote. “I have come to learn that glasses are the way to bring my world of science and his world of plastic into the same sphere, connecting us in a new way.”

Isabella Parker


  • Read More

    Isabella Parker is the daughter of Lisa Parker, an employee of Braskem. 

    She recently graduated with an associates degree from Alvin Community College in Alvin, TX, and will begin classes at Emporia State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology.

    Parker has excelled academically, maintaining a 3.92 GPA and earning a spot on the Dean’s List and Vice President’s List multiple times. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and her transcript reflects a broad range of coursework, including honors in government, psychology and environmental science.

    Beyond her academic achievements, Parker is a highly engaged student and community volunteer. She participated in club volleyball at Alvin Community College and has competed in Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) tournaments since 2021. She will be a member of the D1 Disc Golf Team at Emporia State University this coming fall. Parker volunteers at Wedgewood Elementary’s Afterschool Program and supports children’s programming at her church.

    In her scholarship essay, Parker highlighted the pivotal role of performance plastics in her life, specifically in the form of disc golf discs. As a collegiate disc golfer, Parker describes how these durable plastic discs represent far more than athletic equipment. “A disc is more than just something that I throw around,” she wrote. “It represents an active future, better mental health and a way to connect with others.”

    She reflected on how disc golf has improved her strength, endurance and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, it has positively impacted her mental health. “Disc golf is an outlet for everyday stress, something to look forward to and has released a significant mental burden off my life,” she shared. “My success on the disc golf course has led to my confidence to be successful in every area of life, especially school.” 

    Parker’s inspiring essay illustrates how performance plastics can power more than products, they can also empower people. IAPD congratulates Isabella Parker on her academic accomplishments and her continued growth as both a scholar and athlete.

Nevada Piney-Titshall


  • Read More

    Nevada Piney-Titshall has been awarded the Greg Berry Memorial Scholarship. Piney is the daughter of Tanya Piney, an employee of Piedmont Plastics.

    She is entering her second year at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario, where she is studying Nuclear Engineering. With a 3.90 GPA and a strong academic record that includes transfer credits from Trent University and high marks in science and engineering courses, she has established herself as a committed and high-achieving student in a challenging STEM field.

    Her academic ambitions are supported by numerous awards and recognitions, including the Municipality of Clarington’s Award for Academic Achievement, the Ontario Power Generation Secondary School Student Achievement Award, and an entrance scholarship for exemplary high school grades. She also completed the Specialized High Skills Major Program in health and wellness and was consistently on the Honor Roll throughout high school.

    Piney is equally active beyond the classroom. In high school she participated in a wide variety of sports, including hockey, softball, curling and badminton. She is also an avid snowboarder and played lacrosse for over ten years. Her work experience, starting before high school, spans a number of roles — from crew member to manager to hygiene coordinator — and she has volunteered at a local shelter as well with youth sports teams.

    In her scholarship essay, Piney wrote about her deep connection to sports arenas and how performance plastics, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), used in rink boards, played a significant role in shaping her childhood. She detailed how HDPE, a lightweight yet strong and moisture-resistant material, supports the fast-paced environment of hockey and lacrosse while enhancing safety and performance. “Even though I no longer lace up my skates or grab my lacrosse stick,” she wrote, “hockey and lacrosse will always be a part of who I am.” Her passion for the science behind the sports she loves reflects her growing interest in chemistry and engineering.

Kaitlyn Wanezek


  • Read More

    Kaitlyn Wanezek is the daughter of Jesse Wanezek, an employee of Polymershapes LLC.

    Wanezek is a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a 3.93 GPA. Throughout her academic journey, Wanezek has distinguished herself through a strong academic record, leadership, and service. She has consistently earned placement on the Dean’s List, earned multiple undergraduate certificates and is on track to graduate a semester early. Her coursework has emphasized speech and hearing sciences, environmental health and disability services — critical areas of study in her pursuit of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

    Wanezek has held several campus leadership positions, most notably with Kesem at UW–Madison, a nonprofit supporting children through a parent’s cancer. She serves as an executive board volunteer coordinator, recruiting and training counselors for summer programs. Her passion for communication support extends to her roles as a biology tutor for English language learners and as a student mentor in the PEOPLE Program. Additionally, she serves as a lead research assistant in the Pediatric Auditory Experience and Brain Lab, supporting studies on hearing loss in children.

    In her scholarship essay, Wanezek reflected on the enduring impact of the plastic keyboard and casing of her laptop, tools she uses daily for research, education, communication and mentorship. She noted that performance plastics are not only durable and mobile, but critical to accessibility. Wanezek emphasized how performance plastics play a central role in her field, enabling devices such as cochlear implants and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools that empower individuals with speech and hearing disorders. “We really do have the world at our fingertips,” she wrote. “Any opportunity is just a couple clicks away.”

Alyssa Warbeck


  • Read More

    Alyssa Warbeck is the daughter of Damian Warbeck, an employee of Piedmont Plastics.

    Warbeck is entering her senior year at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, where she is majoring in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Biodiversity and a minor in Forestry. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental studies, leadership, and service.

    With a 3.94 GPA, Warbeck has consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List and achieved high marks in rigorous coursework, including ecology, organic chemistry and silviculture. Her passion for the environment is reflected in her involvement with the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, where she has served as a teaching assistant for environmental statistics and contributed to field data research through a recent internship. Recently, Warbeck completed a semester abroad studying ecology in New Zealand.

    Beyond the classroom, Warbeck has a long history of extracurricular involvement. In high school, she was team captain of her school’s color guard and a member of multiple choirs and the National Honor Society. She was also an active Girl Scout for 13 years. In college, she is a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and has held internships in both hospitality and environmental sectors.

    Warbeck’s application essay for the IAPD Scholarship highlighted the impact of performance plastics in her daily life, particularly the ABS plastic used in computer keyboards, which facilitates her studies, research and global communication. Her thoughtful reflection underscores her understanding of the vital role that durable, long-lasting plastics play in advancing education and environmental progress.