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Two Stockton high school seniors won this year's Debra “Sam” Haack Memorial Scholarship.
By Erin McQueary
District 10 public information officer
For the first time in five years, two local high school seniors pursuing careers in highway maintenance and operations have been awarded the $1,500 Debra “Sam” Haack Memorial Scholarship, established in honor of District 10’s former Maintenance and Operations Deputy Director, Debra “Sam” Haack.
To strengthen the scholarship fund, the Maintenance Continuous Improvement Committee (MCIC) gathered donations from several engineering unions and their members, and – with the help of the District 10 Employee Events Committee – raised an additional $450 through a Nacho fundraiser.
According to Valley Maintenance Manager Jesus Zuniga, the MCIC has long served as a forum where field staff share safety concerns and ideas with management. In recent years, the committee expanded its role by forming a scholarship subcommittee responsible for fundraising, posting the scholarship, creating selection criteria, and choosing the recipients – a process previously handled by Sam’s husband.
“Continuing this scholarship in her name allows us to support young people who share her dedication to the maintenance community,” Zuniga said.
The scholarship is administered by the California Transportation Foundation, which matches the amount contributed by the MCIC.
Sam Haack, who passed away from cancer in 2017 at age 52, dedicated 25 years to Caltrans and was known for her deep commitment to her family, co‑workers, and the safety and reliability of District 10’s highways. This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting students who aspire to work in the maintenance and operations field.