Connor Opdahl loves being outdoors and doing different things every day. That’s what drew him to the Electric Power Distribution program at Blackhawk.

Enrolling after hearing good things about the program, the Milton native appreciates the flexibility of his class schedule that enables him to continue to work while in school.

In his time at Blackhawk, Connor has learned that teamwork makes everything easier.

“The relationship between the guy on the pole and the guy on the ground can really make a difference with how fast everything goes on the pole,” he said.

Since enrolling in the program, Connor, who was also the recipient of the Gary Mawhinney Scholarship Fund, has had to work on his patience and not get worked up when things aren’t going right.

“Sometimes I have to take a deep breath and readjust what I’m doing to make it easier,” he said.

Connor’s instructor, Mike Doubleday, says Connor stands out as a leader among the EPD students.

“He has an end goal in mind and works to see that to completion,” Mike said.

Connor plans to graduate in May and become an apprentice lineman, eventually becoming a journeyman lineman.

For more information on the Electric Power Distribution program, go to blackhawk.edu/epd.

Gary Mawhinney Scholarship Fund

The Gary Mawhinney Scholarship was established in early 2022 by Gary Mawhinney to provide financial assistance through scholarship awards to students enrolled in manufacturing careers and opportunities at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton, Wisconsin. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to five students each fall, payable $500 in the fall and $500 in the spring. Students must be enrolled (or will be enrolling) in a manufacturing-related program at Blackhawk Technical College and must be a graduate or have graduated from Milton High School. Students can either be enrolled as part-time (minimum six credits) or full-time students and must be in good academic standing. The scholarship is available to new or continuing students and preference shall be given to students showing financial need.