UCAC Honors 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The Utility Contractors Association of Connecticut (UCAC) recognized the next generation of skilled trades professionals during its 2026 Scholarship Awards Dinner, held April 23 at the Farmington Polo Club in Farmington, Conn.
The annual event brought together UCAC members, families, and industry leaders to celebrate outstanding students pursuing careers in construction, engineering, and the skilled trades. Scholarships were awarded to both children of UCAC members and high-achieving students from Connecticut’s technical education system (CTECS).
The following students were named 2026 UCAC Scholarship recipients:
- Olivia Serrambana, VMS Construction | Glastonbury High School
- Alexa Hercules, W.F. Kaynor Technical High School | Plumbing & Heating
- Alex Flores, A.I. Prince Technical High School | Automotive Technology
- Bryan Wood, Henry Abbott Technical High School | Auto Collision
- Ethan Dion, Ella T. Grasso Technical High School | Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Haley Pascarella, Vinal Technical High School | Carpentry
- Istvan Hatlaczky, Henry Abbott Technical High School | Electrical
- Jack Hilinski Elyosius, Bristol Technical High School | HVAC
- Jameson Proulx, H.H. Ellis Technical High School | Masonry
- Myla Giannelli, Vinal Technical High School | Diesel and Equipment Repair
- Rylie Finch, Platt Technical High School | Architecture
- Foundations Scholarship Winner: Peyton Plourde of D&G Contractors and Plainville High School.
Established in 2019, the UCAC Foundations Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the trades, engineering, or construction management. The scholarship is awarded annually in honor or memory of an individual who has made meaningful contributions to UCAC, the utility construction industry, and the broader community.
The 2026 Foundations Scholarship was presented in honor of David Duff, a longtime UCAC leader and industry veteran. Duff served on the UCAC Board of Directors for more than seven years, including as President from 2021 to 2023. Over a career spanning more than five decades—primarily leading Suburban Sanitation Service in Canton—Duff played a key role in advancing the association’s mission. He was instrumental in expanding the UCAC Scholarship Program in 2022, helping to provide cash awards to graduating CTECS students.
The evening concluded with a shared dinner and celebration of the students’ achievements, underscoring UCAC’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and the future of Connecticut’s utility construction industry.
