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Colby Bunger

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Bio

My name is Colby Bunger, I am a graduate of Most Sacred Heart Academy in Whitewater, Missouri and I am attending North Central Kansas Technical College in their Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Program. In May 2024 I will graduate with my certification in PHAC. I plan to return to college next year to complete my associate's degree in Building Construction Technology while taking their first-year Electrical Technology courses. I am interning with Willow Springs Inc. in Beloit, Kansas. My goal is to someday own my own company and serve those needing my expertise. I am an Eagle Scout who is passionate about serving others. It is my plan, to mentor someone like myself someday and give back all the knowledge that others have so graciously shared with me.

Education

North Central Kansas Technical College

Trade School
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Construction Trades, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Trade School

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Construction

    • Dream career goals:

      Own business focusing on Electricity, Plumbing, Heating and Air

      Sports

      Dancing

      Intramural
      2019 – Present5 years

      Volleyball

      Intramural
      2017 – 20236 years

      Karate

      Intramural
      2018 – Present6 years

      Arts

      • Riverside Pottery

        Ceramics
        2018 – 2023

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        KICK Karate — Volunteer teacher
        2021 – 2023
      • Volunteering

        Cape Ballroom — Volunteer Instructor
        2021 – Present
      • Volunteering

        St. Mary's Food Pantry — Volunteer on Friday afternoons stocking shelves
        2017 – 2023

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Joshua’s Home Remodeling Scholarship
      My name is Colby Bunger. I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. I’m the youngest son of hard-working parents who believe it’s not what happens to you, but how you react that is important. I am the grandchild of two Air Force Veterans who value our veterans and servicemen and know that I am free to pursue my dreams because of them. As an Eagle Scout, I’m Proud to be an American. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri would choose to pursue a career in construction ending up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driver of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team, Middle Earth Mechanics, for two years confirmed that a career in the trades would be a good fit for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. I enjoyed job shadowing individuals in HVAC and Electricity. One of the individuals I shadowed was my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparents’ hometown. I’m able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit, Kansas helping me save money and hopefully graduate debt-free. NCKCN has a program that allows me to combine plumbing and electricity with my HVAC certification to be able to deliver a full package to my customers. Combined with the mentorship I am receiving I know I will have the skills needed to help others. As an Eagle Scout who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy,, and am passionate about. Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem-solving and my desire to help others. In my life, I have been blessed to have many people guide me including my parents, brothers, robotics coach, pastors, and even an electrician who has taken me under his wing. Volunteering in numerous places has always been a part of my life. These places include Boy Scouts, food pantries, churches, youth groups, KICK Karate class, and even teaching ballroom dancing at Cape Ballroom. My outside-the-box thinking and desire to solve problems and help others lead me to believe I will make a positive impact on the world. Throughout my life I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. The Building Construction Industry interests me as I believe it is a field in which I can be successful because of my hard work and determination. I value my home and want to help create a home for others so they can have a safe haven to escape from the world and focus on their family. I believe the skills I have learned throughout my life, my love for problem solving, and my outside-the-box thinking will make this an interesting and fulfilling career. Thank you for this opportunity to apply and be considered for Joshua's Remodeling Scholarship.
      Joseph Lipovits Memorial Homebuilders Scholarship
      I am from a family of hard workers who believe you are responsible for your success and how you treat others matters. My family homeschooled and it served me well. We have been able to travel, to help family and friends, and be active in our community while continuing to focus on my education. I have met lifelong friends and learned to interact with individuals ages 0 to 99. The life skills I have learned, the education I have obtained, and normal extracurricular activities I have been involved with including Boy Scouts, karate, robotics, ballroom dancing, volunteering, church youth groups, homeschool groups, & prom and dance committees will serve me well in the future. They have given me opportunities to serve and help other. I will take my passion for helping others into the construction industry. . Taking a nontraditional path has shown me there are many ways to excellence. Traditional education is not for everyone. I am thankful that I was able to address the concerns of my parents as they had planned to send me to a traditional high school. They consented to give homeschooling high school a try, having no idea that soon everyone would be out of the classroom due to COVID-19. I am grateful that my education never had to paused. My outside the box thinking drives me to find solutions to problems and concerns. I believe it will serve me well in the skilled trade industry. I believe my passion for helping others and living life to the fullest is why a career in the trades is right for me. After my second year at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit, Kansas I will have graduated with my Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology. I will have obtained the basis knowledge for a career in Electricity, Plumbing and HVAC. I am contemplating a third year at NCKTC to obtain my journeyman in electricity making me more qualified to help others. The training I receive at NCKTC will make me knowledgeable in the building construction industry. I will be grateful for on the job/hands on training I received from my mentors at Willow Springs Inc. during my studies and should be prepared for a successful career. I would like to own my own business someday and serve other while taking my passion for helping others with me in everything I do. I see myself being able to support my future family while be active in my community. I see myself continuing to do what I have been taught by my family, which is always do the next the right thing and always look out for others. Serving others is what we all are called to do and as an Eagle Scout I strive to do this daily. Someday I hope to mentor someone like myself. I want to give back all the knowledge and assistance that others have so graciously shared with me. It is my passion for helping others that motivates me to pursue a career in the trades industry and I believe a career in the trades field will allow me to meet my goals. In conclusion, you asked me what a home meant to me. To me a home is more than then its outward appearance. More than the wood and bricks that make the building, it is a place where you can learn, love and grow. A home is a safe haven when the world is harsh. It is the place where you can retreat with your family. It is filled with love and memories that last a lifetime.
      Thomas Mashig Foundation Scholarship
      I am from a family of hard workers who believe you are responsible for your success and how you treat others matters. My family homeschooled and it served me well. We have been able to travel, to help family and friends, and be active in our community while continuing to focus on my education. I have met lifelong friends and learned to interact with individuals ages 0 to 99. The life skills I have learned, the education I have obtained, and normal extracurricular activities I have been involved with include; Boy Scouts, karate, robotics, ballroom dancing, volunteering, church youth groups, homeschool groups, & prom and dance committees will serve me well in the future. They have given me opportunities to serve and help other. I will take my passion for helping others into my career. Taking a nontraditional path has shown me there are many ways to excellence. Traditional high school and college are not for everyone. I am thankful that I was able to address the concerns of my parents as they had planned to send me to a traditional high school. They consented to give homeschooling high school a try, having no idea that soon everyone would be out of the classroom due to COVID-19. I am grateful that my education never had to paused. My outside the box thinking drives me to find solutions to problems and concerns. I believe it will serve me well in the skilled trade industry. I believe my passion for helping others and living life to the fullest is why a career in the trades is right for me. After my second year at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit, Kansas I will have graduated with my Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology. I will have obtained the basis knowledge for a career in Electricity, Plumbing and HVAC. I am contemplating a third year at NCKTC to obtain my journeyman in electricity making me more qualified to help others. The training I receive at NCKTC will make me knowledgeable in the building construction industry. I will be grateful for on the job/hands on training I received from my mentors at Willow Springs Inc. during my studies and should be prepared for a successful career. I would like to own my own business someday and serve other while taking my passion for helping others with me in everything I do. I see myself being able to support my future family while be active in my community. I see myself continuing to do what I have been taught by my family, which is always do the next the right thing and always look out for others. Serving others is what we all are called to do and as an Eagle Scout I strive to do this daily. Someday I hope to mentor someone like myself. I want to give back all the knowledge and assistance that others have so graciously shared with me. It is my passion for helping others motivates me to pursue a career in the trades industry and I believe a career in the trades field will allow me to meet this goal. I am thankful for those who have chosen to take a chance on me and believe in me and want extend that kindness to others. Thank you for considering me for the Thomas Mashig Foundation scholarship. Should I be chosen for this scholarship I will do my best to honor Mr. Mashig’s memory by serving others and always lending a hand whenever possible. I am thankful for this opportunity.
      Brattican Scholarship
      I am from a family of hard workers who believe you are responsible for your success and how you treat others matters. My family homeschooled and it served me well. We have been able to travel, to help family and friends, and be active in our community while continuing to focus on my education. I have met lifelong friends and learned to interact with individuals ages 0 to 99. The life skills I have learned, the education I have obtained, and normal extracurricular activities I have been involved with include; Boy Scouts, karate, robotics, ballroom dancing, volunteering, church youth groups, homeschool groups, & prom and dance committees will serve me well in the future as I take my passion for helping others into my career. Taking a nontraditional path has shown me there are many ways to excellence. Traditional high school and college are not for everyone. I am thankful that I was able to address the concerns of my parents as they had planned to send me to a traditional high school. They consented to give homeschooling high school a try, having no idea that soon everyone would be out of the classroom due to COVID-19. I am grateful that my education never had to paused. My outside the box thinking drives me to find solutions to problems and concerns. I believe it will serve me well in the skilled trade industry. I believe my passion for helping others and living life to the fullest is why a career in the trades is right for me. After my second year at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit, Kansas I will have graduated with my Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology. I will have obtained the basis knowledge for a career in Electricity, Plumbing and HVAC. I am contemplating a third year at NCKTC to obtain my journeyman in electricity making me more qualified to help others. The training I receive at NCKTC will make me knowledgeable in the building construction industry. I will be grateful for on the job/hands on training I received from my mentors at Willow Springs Inc. during my studies and should be prepared for a successful career. I would like to own my own business someday and serve other while taking my passion for helping others with me in everything I do. I see myself being able to support my future family while be active in my community. I see myself continuing to do what I have been taught by my family, which is always do the next the right thing and always look out for others. Serving others is what we all are called to do and as an Eagle Scout I strive to do this daily. Someday I hope to mentor someone like myself. I want to give back all the knowledge and assistance that others have so graciously shared with me. It is my passion for helping others motivates me to pursue a career in the trades industry and I believe a career in the trades field will allow me to meet this goal. I am thankful for those who have chosen to take a chance on me and believe in me and want extend that kindness to others. Thank you for considering me for the Brattican Scholarship. I am thankful for this opportunity.
      Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
      My name is Colby Bunger. I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri would choose to pursue a career in construction and how I ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team, Middle Earth Mechanics, for two years confirmed that a career in the trades would be a good fit for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. I enjoyed job shadowing individuals in HVAC and Electricity. One of the individuals I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparents’ hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit, Kansas helping me save money and hopefully graduate debt free. NCKCN has a program which allows me to combine plumbing and electricity with my HVAC certification to be able to deliver a full package to my customers. Combined with the mentorship I am receiving I know I will have the knowledge to help others. As an Eagle Scout who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about. Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. In my life I have been blessed to have many people guide me including my parents, brothers, robotics coach, pastors, and even an electrician who has taken me under his wing. Volunteering numerous places has always been a part of my life. These places include Boy Scouts, food pantries, churches, youth groups, KICK Karate class, and even teaching ballroom dancing at Cape Ballroom. My outside the box thinking and desire to solve problems and help others leads me to believe I will be successful in my trade. Through my life I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. The Russell Koci Scholarship would be a gift to me. It would help me begin a successful life which would include starting my career debt free. My focus could be on providing for my family, serving my community, and starting my business. A successful life would be one in which I could look back and see a life full of love, family, friends, and co-workers who have worked together to make the world a better place. I believe I will be successful because of my hard work and determination. I would do my best to make Mr. Koci proud by striving to do my best in all I do, give back, and serve others. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for the Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship.
      Mike Wazocha Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Colby Bunger. I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri would choose to pursue a career in construction and how I ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team, Middle Earth Mechanics, for two years confirmed that a career in the trades would be a good fit for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. I enjoyed job shadowing individuals in HVAC and Electricity. One of the individuals I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparents’ hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit, Kansas helping me save money and hopefully graduate debt free. NCKCN has a program which allows me to combine plumbing and electricity with my HVAC certification to be able to deliver a full package to my customers. Combined with the mentorship I am receiving I know I will have the knowledge to help others. As an Eagle Scout who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about. Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. In my life I have been blessed to have many people guide me including my parents, brothers, robotics coach, pastors, and even an electrician who has taken me under his wing. Volunteering numerous places has always been a part of my life. These places include Boy Scouts, food pantries, churches, youth groups, KICK Karate class, and even teaching ballroom dancing at Cape Ballroom. Through my life I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. The Mike Wazocha Memorial Scholarship would be a gift to me. It help allow me to start my career debt free. My focus could be on providing for my family, serving my community, and starting my business. I would do my best to make the family and friends of Mike proud as I honor his memory by striving to do my best in all I do, give back, and serve others. Thank you for this opportunity to apply.
      Trades Make the World Go 'Round
      My name is Colby Bunger. I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team, Middle Earth Mechanics, for two years confirmed that a career in the trades would be a good fit for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. I enjoyed job shadowing individuals in HVAC and Electricity. One of the individuals I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparents’ hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit, Kansas. NCKCN has a program which allows me to combine plumbing and electricity with my HVAC certification to be able to deliver a full package to my customers. As an Eagle Scout who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about. Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. In my life I have been blessed to have many people guide me including my parents, brothers, robotics coach, pastors, and even an electrician who has taken me under his wing. Volunteering numerous places has always been a part of my life. These places include Boy Scouts, food pantries, churches, youth groups, KICK Karate class, and even teaching ballroom dancing at Cape Ballroom. Through my life I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. The Trades Make the World Go Round scholarship would be a gift to me. It help allow me to start my career debt free. My focus could be on providing for my family, serving my community, and starting my business. I would do my best to make the donor of this scholarship proud as I strive to do my best in all I do, give back, and serve others. Thank you for this opportunity to apply.
      John Geremia Memorial Trades Scholarship
      I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team, Middle Earth Mechanics, for two years confirmed that a career in the trades would be a good fit for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. I enjoyed job shadowing individuals in HVAC and Electricity. One of the individuals I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparents hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit, Kansas. NCKCN has a program which allows me to combine plumbing and electricity with my HVAC certification to be able to deliver a full package to my customers. As an Eagle Scout who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about. Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. In my life I have been blessed to have many people guide me including my parents, brothers, robotics coach, pastors, and even an electrician who has taken me under his wing. Volunteering numerous places has always been a part of my life. These places include Boy Scouts, food pantries, churches, youth groups, KICK Karate class, and even teaching ballroom dancing at Cape Ballroom. Through my life I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. This scholarship honor the memory of John Geremia would be a gift to me. It help allow me to start my career debt free. My focus could be on providing for my family, serving my community, and starting my business. I would do my best to honor his memory by giving back to other as he did and follow in his footstep by leading a life of service making this world a better place
      Koehler Family Trades and Engineering Scholarship
      I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team for two years confirmed that a career in the trades might be for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. After a friendly debate with my parents as to why I wanted to continue to be homeschooled through high school I spent 4 years proving to my parents that homeschooling was the right choice for me and that I could in fact meet all their educational goals while thinking outside the box. Job shadowing led me to HVAC. The individual I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had PHAC. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparent’s hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit. I did some research on PHAC Careers and found that there are numerous opportunities in these areas as many of these tradesmen are close to retirement age. That makes this career path particularly enticing to me as I know I will have a job. Fortunately, the President and Owner of Willow Springs Inc decided to be my mentor. I am fortunate that he has chosen to share his knowledge with me. As someone who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. I have always been the person to see a problem and find a solution. You see it took me a long time to learn how to focus. My brain raced and learning was not easy. When I was in 6th grade I was tested and found out I have gluten intolerance. Once I eliminated gluten from my diet, my ability to focus improved and I was able to succeed in school easier. My freshman year was when COVID-19 interrupted the world. In April of that year, my grandmother died and the day after her death my grandfather got hurt and was hospitalized for 56 days. In May we were finally able to travel to see him and spent 3 months there taking care of him. We moved him back to our house in August 2020 and his camper became my classroom and where my parents slept so my grandfather could have their room. Much time has been spent taking care of my grandparents. Through all this I have learned that the people in your life are what is important. In my life many hard things have happened, my mom being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, my dad being diagnosed with Factor V Leiden after blood clots, my whole family being diagnosed with Celiac disease or Gluten Intolerance, both grandmothers dying and my grandfather being hurt, through all of this I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. My chosen career will allow me to continue to think outside the box while helping those who need my services.
      Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship
      I am pursuing a career in Building Construction Technology which combines my certification in Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Electrical Technology for an Associate Degree from North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) in Beloit Kansas. One might wonder how a young man from Missouri ended up at NCKTC and why this trade is my passion. Being the driving of our FIRST Tech Challenge Robotic Team for two years confirmed that a career in the trades might be for me. I am a hands-on type of person who doesn’t always choose the traditional route. After a friendly debate with my parents as to why I wanted to continue to be homeschooled through high school I spent 4 years proving to my parents that homeschooling was the right choice for me and that I could in fact meet all their educational goals while thinking outside the box. Job shadowing led me to HVAC. The individual I shadowed happened to be my robotic coach, he encouraged me to find a technical college that had PHAC. I found NCKTC, which happens to be in my parents and grandparent’s hometown. I am able to live at my grandfather’s house while studying in Beloit. I did some research on PHAC Careers and found that there are numerous opportunities in these areas as many of these tradesmen are close to retirement age. That makes this career path particularly enticing to me as I know I will have a job. Fortunately, the President and Owner of Willow Springs Inc decided to be my mentor. I am fortunate that he has chosen to share his knowledge with me. As someone who thinks outside the box, I want to ensure my future is bright by choosing a career path that is in demand, something I enjoy, and am passionate about Building Construction Technology fits with my love of problem solving and my desire to help others. I have always been the person to see a problem and find a solution. You see it took me a long time to learn how to focus. My brain raced and learning was not easy. When I was in 6th grade I was tested and found out I have gluten intolerance. Once I eliminated gluten from my diet, my ability to focus improved and I was able to succeed in school easier. My freshman year was when COVID-19 interrupted the world. In April of that year, my grandmother died and the day after her death my grandfather got hurt and was hospitalized for 56 days. In May we were finally able to travel to see him and spent 3 months there taking care of him. We moved him back to our house in August 2020 and his camper became my classroom and where my parents slept so my grandfather could have their room. Much time has been spent taking care of my grandparents. Through all this I have learned that the people in your life are what is important. In my life many hard things have happened, my mom being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, my dad being diagnosed with Factor V Leiden after blood clots, my whole family being diagnosed with Celiac disease or Gluten Intolerance, both grandmothers dying and my grandfather being hurt, through all of this I have learned to do the next right thing, help others as much as I can, and look to God for guidance all while being grateful. My chosen career will allow me to continue to think outside the box while helping those who need my services.