Oakdale High School graduate Jean Paula Pagaduan has been awarded a $15,000 college scholarship from Operating Engineers Local 3.

Pagaduan, the daughter of Local 3 member Jose Pagaduan, was chosen for her academic excellence, hard work and dedication to helping others. While keeping a busy schedule, which included serving as president of both the Interact Club and the Dead Poets’ Society, she tutored fellow students and volunteered at the hospital, all while maintaining a 4.26 Grade Point Average (GPA). She is also the recipient of a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

“Certainly attaining Jean’s outstanding academic record is a marvelous achievement in itself; but when one considers the fact that she has achieved that record while being involved in a number of extracurricular activities, it is quite evident that this indefatigable young lady is truly exceptional,” said Oakdale High School Social Studies teacher Pete Simoncini.

Pagaduan begins classes this fall to pursue an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences, with the ultimate goal of attending law school and becoming an attorney.

Operating Engineers Local 3 represents about 37,000 heavy equipment operators and other workers in construction, public works and law enforcement and will award 31 college scholarships this year. This includes two first-place academic scholarships of $15,000 each, two second-place academic scholarships of $12,500 each, two third-place academic scholarships of $10,000 each and 25 merit scholarships of $3,000 each. Pagaduan is the first-place female academic winner. A Local 3 representative presented her with an award earlier this month.