Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Van Meter Announces 2026 Spark Your Success Scholarship Recipients
Armaan Chopra
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Armaan Chopra is an engineering student at the University of Iowa who aspires to work in roles that emphasize practical, hands on problem solving, especially in design manufacturing and applied engineering where ideas move quickly from concept to real world implementation.
“I’ve always been drawn to the trades because I deeply value the skill and experience that come from hands on work. Watching how systems are built, maintained and repaired has shaped the way I approach engineering, pushing me toward solutions that prioritize clarity, practicality and buildability,” said Chopra. “Working alongside skilled tradespeople has also shown me that the best engineering outcomes come from true collaboration between design and execution, and I hope to help bridge that gap in my career.”
Robert Cross
Hometown: Marion, Iowa
Robert Cross is a senior at Marion High School. His goal is to become an electrician.
“Throughout high school, I’ve taken a variety of construction classes and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Those experiences helped me realize how much I enjoy hands on work,” said Cross. “I’ve been especially drawn to the electrical field, where I can build, problem solve and see the impact of my work every day. My goal is to become an electrician, and the classes I’ve taken have shown me that this is the path where I can thrive.”
Robert Holmbo
Hometown: Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Robert Holmbo is a student at North Dakota State University who finds engineering to be a fascinating field because of the variety of subfields within the field.
“I’m interested in this industry because it’s constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in ways that create a positive and lasting impact on the people around me,” said Holmbo. “STEM has always clicked for me. To me, math and coding feel like one big puzzle, and I love using every tool—whether it’s a transformation, a piece of syntax or a new concept—to figure it out.”
Toben Lasater
Hometown: Missouri Valley, Iowa
Toben Lasater attends Metropolitan Community College. He works for a master electrician and is inspired by the example set forth by his hardworking parents.
“I know I will become an electrician, and I’m honored to be a Spark Your Success Scholarship recipient. I’ve taken every opportunity to prepare for my dream career, earning certificates in welding, electrical technology, CPR and OSHA general industry safety,” said Lasater. “I am driven to succeed, I work hard and I will overcome any obstacles in my way.”
Tate Merrill
Hometown: Coralville, Iowa
Tate Merrill is working as an apprentice and knows the trades are a natural fit for him.
“I’ve always been a hands on person, and I know I thrive in a field where I can apply what I’m learning directly to real world situations,” said Merrill. “I’ve been fortunate to work with foremen who are incredibly patient and supportive. Their guidance has shaped not only how I learn, but also the kind of teacher and coworker I want to be in the future.”
Nigel Mushambi
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
Nigel Mushambi attends North Dakota State College of Science. He is committed to helping build a more reliable power infrastructure.
“My path into the trades began with my grandfather, a master electrician, who often took me along on service calls and taught me how to break down complex problems one step at a time,” said Mushambi. “I’ll never forget the day he handed me a multimeter at my great grandmother’s house and said, ‘Let’s figure this out.’ As we worked through the issue together, something clicked. That moment sparked my curiosity about how systems work, why they fail and how to make them work again — a curiosity he encouraged and helped grow.”
Dane Owen
Hometown: Anamosa, Iowa
Dane Owen attends Iowa State University and hopes to build a career in an industry where he loves the work he does every day and can continue learning and growing throughout his entire career.
“I’ve been passionate about the construction and electrical field since I was a kid—building, fixing and creating things has always been a passion of mine,” said Owen. “There’s nothing quite like looking back at a finished project and feeling proud of what I built with my own hands. That feeling is what inspires me to pursue this path and work toward a future where I can keep building things that matter.”
Daniel Pacheco
Hometown: Coralville, Iowa
Daniel Pacheco completed his technical training at Kirkwood Community College where he also earned his Electrical Specialist Certificate. His goal is to work under the guidance of a journeyman and gain the opportunity to learn directly on the job.
“This scholarship will be truly transformative for my career. It will provide the essential tools and resources I need to begin my professional journey and complete my training without the financial barriers that can slow progress,” said Pacheco. “I want to pursue this profession because it is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to learn and grow. I look forward to contributing to an industry that not only challenges me but also allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Lorenzo Pino
Hometown: Fairfax, Iowa
Lorenzo Pino is a senior at Xavier High School who is taking hands on classes that focus on real world skills to prepare for a career in the trades.
“My A.C.E. teacher sparked my interest in the trades and encouraged me to explore different career paths,” said Pino. “I take pride in showing up, putting in the work and learning from every opportunity I’m given. I’m not afraid of hard work, and I’m committed to developing the skills I need to become someone others can rely on for quality work.”
William Sankot
Hometown: Belle Plaine, Iowa
William Sankot is an apprentice who enjoyed construction classes in high school. He recognizes there is a real need for skilled workers and values a hands on career that helps people.
“This scholarship will help me purchase the tools and gear I need to be successful on the job,” said Sankot. “I’m hardworking, reliable and committed to completing my apprenticeship and earning my journeyman license.”
Wade Sankot
Hometown: Belle Plaine, Iowa
Wade Sankot is committed to becoming a lineman because every day on the job can bring different challenges and environments. He can do hands-on work and build his skills while making a real impact in the community.
“This scholarship will help cover the cost of tools, work gear, my CDL license and lineman schooling expenses,” said Sankot. “I take pride in being a hard worker who shows up on time, follows through and gives my best effort with a positive attitude no matter the job.”
Joshua Stewart
Hometown: Lenexa, Kansas
Joshua Stewart is a student at Johnson County Community College where he is building skills both in the classroom and through hands on experience. He aspires to do commercial or residential electrical work in the future.
“I’m especially interested in residential because I enjoy helping people directly and seeing the results of my work in their homes,” said Stewart. “Being a full-time student means I’m not able to work right now, which has created financial stress for me and my wife. This scholarship will make a significant difference for us and allow me to stay focused on my training without the added worry.”
Evan Strand
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Evan Strand is an apprentice whose dream is to earn his journeyman license, achieve a master license and eventually start his own company.
“I’m currently in my third year of electrical schooling, and I’ve had great teachers who’ve challenged me and helped me grow. The past few years have shown me that progress in this field comes from effort, not just talent, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity,” said Strand. “Many of my coworkers have been incredible role models, showing me what it means to work cleanly, quickly and professionally. Their example motivates me to keep improving and become the kind of electrician others can look up to.”
Landon Thomsen
Hometown: Coggon, Iowa
Landon Thomsen works as an apprentice. He aspires to earn his journeyman license, advance through the ranks and become a job site supervisor or manager.
“This scholarship will allow me to purchase the tools I need and take the first real step in my career as an industrial electrician,” said Thomsen, “My interest in this trade started when my parents built our house and I helped with the wiring. That experience, along with the work we’ve done on our farm, opened my eyes to how much I enjoy hands on problem solving and bigger electrical projects.”
Landon Wulfekuhle
Hometown: Oxford, Iowa
Tyler Wulfekuhle is a Kirkwood Community College graduate and now studies electrical engineering at the University of Northern Iowa. He loves everything about industrial electricity.
“This scholarship gives me the chance to continue pursuing my passion of earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering—an opportunity that simply wouldn’t be possible without this financial support,” said Wulfekuhle. “My original plan was to stop after an associate degree, but each step of my education, along with two internships, has pushed me to raise my standards and aim higher. Balancing school, work and life hasn’t been easy. Prioritizing my education and my family keeps me grounded, and receiving this scholarship motivates me to keep moving forward.”