Bridgeport, CT Marisa Shiland, the valedictorian of the 2020 Henry Abbott Technical High School graduating class, has been awarded the 2022 Viking Construction Education Scholarship. Shiland, who will be a junior at the University of Mary in Bismark, N.D., received the $4,000 scholarship to use towards her pursuit of a construction management degree.

Shiland is on the cross-country and track team at the University of Mary. She was an intern at Claris Construction in Newtown, Conn., and holds several part-time jobs to help pay her tuition. Her career aspirations include working on large-scale construction projects such as new schools and hospitals.

Viking created this scholarship in 2012 to support the general community and, as much as possible, those pursing construction-related careers. To date, the company has committed $44,000 to students. Applicants need to complete an in-depth submission and essay along with an in-person interview to be considered for the award, and they must maintain a 2.7 grade point average minimum to continue to receive the award.

Applications for the 2023 award will be available in the spring at http://vikingconstruction.net/pdf/VCS-Scholarship.pdf.

Founded in 1991, Viking Construction, Inc., is a family-owned company of craftsmen in all areas of construction. The company strongly believes in personal involvement, quality control, and sound financial management. Its award-winning portfolio includes historic renovations, wastewater treatment facilities, pharmaceutical plants, churches, schools, assisted living facilities, office buildings, industrial manufacturing plants and large-scale affordable housing projects throughout Connecticut and New York.