Pictured, from left, are Collis Sims, Calhoun Industrial Systems Technology instructor; Mark Rose, Calhoun Industrial Technology instructor; Patrick Rouse, Industrial Maintenance Lab Assistant at Calhoun; Brent Jacobs, Industrial Project Training Manager at Calhoun; and David Zdrojewski, Chief Executive Officer for VibrAlign. | Special to the Enquirer

An essay written by Calhoun Community College student Heath Parker has led to a scholarship for the student and a year’s use of a state-of-the-art laser alignment system for the college’s Industrial Maintenance program.

Earlier this year, Parker submitted an essay to VibrAlign, a leading supplier of alignment equipment, on his experiences using an alignment system. Parker’s winning essay, which appeared in The Shaft Alignment Blog (www.thealignmentblog.com), earned him a $500 scholarship and use of the VibrAlign alignment equipment, valued at $15,000.

A graduate of Priceville High School, Parker earned a degree in HVAC/renewable energy from Calhoun and is currently enrolled in the college’s industrial maintenance program and interning at Nucor Steel in Decatur.

“At VibrAlign, precision is our passion. Our goal is to realign America,” commented David Zdrojewski, VibrAlign chief executive officer.

Zdrojewski personally delivered the equipment to Calhoun and provided training to faculty who will use the equipment in their classes this year.

“We are extremely proud of Heath for writing his winning essay, and very excited to have been provided use of this state-of-the-art equipment,” said Bethany Shockney, dean for business, technologies and workforce development at Calhoun.  “The opportunity for our students to train on this equipment will be invaluable as they enter the workforce,” Shockney added.

According to Shockney, a number of local companies including Carpenter, TVA and BP use the same equipment.