AFE Pioneer Valley Chapter 85 Awards Four Scholarships
The Association for Facilities Engineering Chapter 85 - Pioneer Valley, located in Connecticut, recently welcomed members, industry leaders, students, and community supporters to its Annual Expo & Car Show. This is an event that continues to bring together the facilities community.
The evening featured facilities professionals, work equipment, classic cars, and fun friendly competition, but the most meaningful moment was the presentation of scholarships to four recipients. These scholarships reflect AFE’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals who will help shape the future of facilities.
This year’s scholarship recipients include:
Samuel Sares
East Longmeadow High School, 2026 Graduate
Samuel has been accepted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to major in Chemical Engineering within the College of Engineering. His academic record reflects high achievement, including honors and AP coursework in subjects such as Chemistry, Calculus, Biology, and Physics.
Ava Lightcap
Southwick High School, 2026 Graduate
Graduating with a 3.6 GPA, Ava plans to pursue a college major in Sports Management as a dedicated athlete who has earned titles as a two-time Western Mass field hockey champion and named MVP in field hockey.
Ibrahim Salloum
South Hadley High School, 2026 Graduate
Ibrahim holds an impressive 4.6333 GPA and intends to study Chemical Engineering. A highly decorated student, he is a 2025 National Chemistry Olympiad Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. His extensive extracurricular profile includes serving as captain of his varsity swim team, volunteering at a local food pantry, and holding leadership roles in both the National Honors Society and the South Hadley Service Club.
Hailey Biglow
Franklin Pierce University, 2027 Graduate
Hailey is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Franklin Pierce University and has earned Dean’s List, Honor Roll, and Academic Showcase recognition. She is an active peer in leadership, music club, and Raven’s Nest. Hailey is interested in how physical facilities support technology, safety, energy management, and essential services in everyday life.
These students represent a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations, yet each demonstrates the dedication, leadership, and potential that scholarship programs are designed to encourage. By investing in students today, we help build a stronger pipeline of facilities professionals who will contribute to the built environment for years to come.
The success of the Chapter 85 Annual Expo & Car Show would not be possible without the support of sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees who continue to make this event a cornerstone of the AFE Pioneer Valley community. The support allows the chapter to strengthen industry connections while creating opportunities for students pursuing higher education and skilled careers.
AFE Chapter 85 will begin accepting local applications for its 2027 Scholarship Awards in early 2027. The program is open to high school students, current college students, and returning students pursuing degrees or certifications that advance careers in facilities engineering, facilities management, engineering, and related fields.