Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • August 2018 | Page 27

Andrew Scott Johnson Memorial Scholarship Foundation
Distinguished Recipient - College
Colt Sterling Atwell earned a cumulative 4.46 GPA from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida,
while being dual-enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville before heading off to pursue his
vocational dream. Colt is the son of Lauren Atwell, Vice President, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors,
Inc., and Melanie Atwell, and is this year’s distinguished college recipient of the Andrew Scott Johnson
Memorial Scholarship Foundation’s $7500 scholarship.
Currently a Junior, Colt first enrolled as a freshman at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2016
and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance with a Concentration in Maintenance
Management. In addition to earning 45 college credits thru the dual-enrolled program, Colt’s academic
accomplishments include National Honor Society, Dean’s List for A/B Honor Roll grades 9-11 and
Principals’ List for “All A” Honor Roll grade 12; President’s Education Awards Program, Outstanding
Academic Excellence, grades 9 and 12; American Citizenship Award, grades 10,
11 and 12; National Physical Fitness Award and Outstanding PE Student, grade 9; and Perfect Attendance
Award, grade 11. A history buff, Colt earned awards for Highest Average US History, Highest Average in
the History of the Vietnam War and Highest Average in Holocaust Studies.
While maintaining a 2.96 GPA at Florida Institute of Technology, last year Colt participated in the Florida
Tech ASCE Concrete Canoe team, Discovery Day and Florida Tech Integration Bee. Last summer, Colt
interned at Petticoat- Schmitt Civil Contractors working in the shop assisting mechanics with heavy
construction equipment repair and continues his internship this summer at Petticoat- Schmitt performing
heavy construction equipment repairs, maintenance, fabrication and welding.
Professors describe Colt as a congenial young man with considerable potential and an aptitude for
learning. Likewise, the President of Petticoat Schmitt shared that he has been impressed with Colt’s
strong work ethic, steadfast character and humble disposition during his growth as a young man.
Additionally, Colt possesses a heart for giving back and aiding others that is rarely seen from young
adults his age. To illustrate, Colt dedicated more than 130 hours as an office aide at Trinity Christian
Academy and demonstrated his compassion for his community by actively participating multiple years in
the City Rescue Mission Bed Race, Seamark Ranch Mud Run, and Brooks Rehabilitation Adaptive Sports.
Colt’s extracurricular activities have included manning a booth at Safari Club International Friend &
Family Day to coach children in the responsible firearm usage and ownership; Trinity Christian Academy
Rifle Club, training students in responsibilities and skills related to firearms; 4-H Shooting Club; Science
Club; Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Summer Program; Competition Shooting Team, including
Captain of the Team senior year. Colt earned his Varsity Letter in Three Position Air Rifle and won several
Winchester/National Rifle Association awards including Distinguished Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman
1-Class, Pro- Marksman, and Marksman.
Outside of school and community service, Colt has volunteered as a ranch hand since 2008 handling
cattle and livestock.
AUGUST 2018 • DITCHMEN
27