Student Wins Scholarship, New Tools for HVAC/R Program

Joliet Junior College Student Draik Huddleston will have a portion of his education funded by North America’s largest manufacturer of equipment pads and leading HVAC/R component supplier and manufacturer.

Huddleston, a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) student, was one of five North American students to receive a $5,000 Retool Your Future scholarship from DiversiTech to pursue their HVAC/R education. The funding isn’t the only part of the prize; each student will receive a starter kit of hilmor tools, a trip to this year’s AHR EXPO and a Green Wall Merchandising Display for their school.

"This year’s winners are shining examples of how our industry and education can drive positive change and new career possibilities. We are honored to showcase each winner’s unique story and support their professional growth as they enter the HVAC/R field,” said DiversiTech Brand Director Andrea Halpin.

Huddleston couldn’t believe that he was one of the five selected for the scholarship. 

“It felt like a true honor and I feel like I've accomplished something big not only for myself but also for JJC, with receiving the tools for the JJC HVAC/R lab,” said Huddleston. 

Huddleston’s application included an essay describing how the industry will “retool his life.” He described how HVAC/R has helped him start a new life, how he is preparing for a career in the industry and his commitment moving forward.

He chose the HVAC/R field because he enjoys hands-on work. 

“I also wanted to pick a career that would give me skills in multiple areas of basic life fixes like plumbing, electrical, carpentry and of course HVAC/R,” said Huddleston.

Juan Aguilar, instructor in JJC’s HVAC/R program, said that Huddleston is very deserving of the scholarship. 

“He is a great student who not only excels in class, but also possesses the intangibles to make it very far in life. We are very proud that Draik has been given this opportunity to share his story, which reflects the story of so many in the HVAC/R program,” said Aguilar. 

After he graduates, Huddleston would like to get into the HVAC union and pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

He says that he would like to use his knowledge in HVAC/R to help others.

“I want to do work that gives me satisfaction, knowing that my work is making a difference for the community I live in and those who are less fortunate,” said Huddleston. 

Huddleston is the first of his siblings to go to college. He says it’s hard to pinpoint just one person that has supported him along the way, but that his mom, his brother and his girlfriend, Ashley, have always supported his dream. 

For media inquiries, contact JJC Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.