In the family's words
🇺🇸🎓 HONORING EXCELLENCE IN CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION — CONGRATULATIONS, KEITH HILL! 🎓🇺🇸
Last night, at the South Huntington UFSD Board of Education meeting, we had the tremendous honor of recognizing Walt Whitman High School Senior Keith Hill for his nomination to the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) — one of the nation's highest honors for graduating high school seniors.
Alongside New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, Phil and Mary Beth Kraese, with their son Gunnar proudly in attendance, represented The Mason Kraese Blue Collar Memorial Foundation in presenting Keith with a special proclamation recognizing his outstanding achievements, dedication, and commitment to pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
❤️ A CONNECTION THAT MAKES THIS RECOGNITION SO PERSONAL
Keith's passion for HVAC and his determination to build a future in the trades hold a very special place in our hearts.
Our son, Mason Phillip Kraese, a proud Walt Whitman High School Class of 2016 graduate, shared that same passion.
Mason believed that success wasn't measured solely by grades, textbooks, or a four-year college degree. He understood the value of working with your hands, learning a skill, taking pride in your craftsmanship, and building a career doing something you genuinely love.
That determination led Mason to become a proud Local 638 Union Steamfitter, completing his apprenticeship and pursuing a career in the HVAC industry.
Seeing Keith follow a similar path, with the same enthusiasm for HVAC and the skilled trades, reminds us so much of Mason and everything he stood for.
College isn't for everyone, and that doesn't mean success is out of reach. There are incredible opportunities waiting for young men and women who choose to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
🇺🇸 KEITH, WE COULDN'T BE PROUDER OF YOU!
Your hard work, ambition, and commitment to your future represent exactly what our Foundation was created to recognize, encourage, and support.
While this recognition celebrates your accomplishments, it also carries something deeply meaningful to our family — the opportunity to honor Mason's life by encouraging another young person who shares his passion.
Keith, from this day forward, you will forever be part of The Mason Kraese Blue Collar Memorial Foundation Family. ❤️
We hope you will stay in touch with us throughout the years, share your accomplishments, and allow us to celebrate the many milestones that lie ahead. We cannot wait to see where your journey in the HVAC industry takes you.
Our heartfelt congratulations to Keith, his family, his teachers, and everyone who has encouraged and supported him along the way.
Thank you to Assemblyman Steve Stern and the South Huntington School District for helping us recognize the importance of Career and Technical Education and the next generation of hardworking, skilled professionals.
Mason's legacy continues to live on through young people like Keith — and that means more to our family than words could ever express. ❤️
🇺🇸 Blue Collar Mindset • Cowboy Values 🇺🇸
Together, We Keep Mason's Memory Alive.