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IONE — The Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts recently awarded $8,000 in scholarships to four Washington state individuals developing their careers in the clean water industry, one of whom was a man from Ione.
Giovanni Stanislao of Ione was awarded $2,000 by WASWD, which recognized Stanislao for his academic goals, achievements and commitment to the industry.
Stanislao developed an interest in wastewater systems during a high school class.
That summer, he began working at Selkirk Environmental Lab, where he eventually began performing wastewater testing for adjacent cities during spring, summer and winter breaks over the next three years — all while assisted with teaching his high school’s wastewater class when school was in session.
“What impresses me most about Gio is his genuine curiosity and passion for environmental science,” said Rachel Wold, who was his teacher and worked closely with him as a student employee and lab assistant at Selkirk, in a WASWD news release. “He not only mastered the technical skills but consistently looked for ways to improve processes and support the team.”
This year’s scholarships will support future careers ranging from GIS and IT management to testing and engineering systems for water and wastewater as part of WASWD’s ongoing Clean Water Careers outreach program.
Giovanni plans to obtain Grade 1 Wastewater Certification from Water Professionals International and increase his knowledge in the wastewater program at the University of Maui, where his family and friends reside.
