Pine Tree High School senior Dustin Cole has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF), recognizing his dedication, leadership, and achievement in the district’s Carpentry program.
Cole, a fourth-year student in the program, has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing industry-ready skills through both classroom instruction and hands-on practicum projects. In addition, he interned with the Pine Tree ISD Maintenance and Facilities Department during the summer of 2025, gaining valuable real-world experience in campus construction and operations.
Over the past two years, Cole has represented Pine Tree High School in the CIEF DFW Design Build Competition, a rigorous event that challenges students to apply construction, design, and teamwork skills in a competitive environment. This year, he served in a leadership role as Construction Manager, further demonstrating his ability to guide a team and oversee complex projects.
Only three scholarships were awarded at the competition, making this recognition a significant accomplishment. The scholarship was presented by industry partners Walker Engineering and Holder Construction, highlighting the strong connection between Career and Technical Education programs and workforce opportunities.
Following graduation, Cole plans to attend Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to pursue a career as a lineman and continue building his expertise in construction. His long-term goal is to lead his own crew and complete large-scale projects within the industry.
