“DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH”
L-F: Sean Falconer, Assistant Business Manager Robert Balistreri, Ismael Mendoza
In a world where we are surrounded by distractions and negativity it is often a blessing to witness a good deed. In extremely rare occasions we get to witness a good deed followed by a defining moment. On June 12, 2025 a moment as close to perfect as you can get occurred.
Every year, IBEW Local 1245 puts four (4) scholarship recipients through VOLTA Line School. Known as the Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship, it is a program/scholarship that focuses on giving young men and women an opportunity to enter a life-changing career.
Established in 2020 this all-expense paid scholarship includes full tuition and fees, lodging, meal stipend, and tools and help securing work in the utility space upon completion. The scholarship was established in honor of Jarius Ayeta, a young, IBEW 1245 apprentice who was the victim of a fatal workplace tragedy.
The most recent recipients of the IBEW 1245 Ayeta Scholarship – Ismael (Ish) Mendoza and Sean Falconer – showed what it means to truly be a “Good Human” and our “Brothers’ Keeper.”
The Good Deed
The Volta Program awards one individual an “Indentured Apprenticeship” at the completion of each session, sometimes known as “the Golden Ticket.”
As it happened, the IBEW 1245 scholarship winners – Ish and Sean – were likely candidates, since they both graduated at the top of the class.
When the voting process and instructions were provided to the class, our brothers approached the instructor and asked to be removed from contention for the “Golden Ticket.” When asked why, our 1245 scholarship recipients simply stated that 1245 had already set them up with employment opportunities at PG&E, and they did not want to deprive someone else from receiving an incredible life-changing opportunity.
Here’s where it all comes together.
The Defining Moment
At the graduation ceremony, the Indentured Apprenticeship was awarded to Levi Gibson, as our 1245 brothers looked on. Upon receiving his award, Levi was asked if anyone was there to share the moment with him. He quickly stated, “My girlfriend is here with me.”
When his girlfriend reached the front of the room, there was a photo op. As she was positioning herself for the photo, she realized something was not right. She felt like her boyfriend wasn’t ready for the photo. When she looked to her right to see what he was doing, she found him on one knee. Levi had a ring and asked her to be his wife.
And a joyful moment became even more momentous.
A series of events led him to be the recipient of the apprenticeship award. The comfort and security of an apprenticeship and the start of a career helps a person make certain decisions. Was this that perfect storm? We like to believe that everything happens for a reason.
So back to the beginning of this write up. In a weary world we all need a good story every now and then.
This is that story.
Thank you Ish and Sean. Your unselfish act may very well have been life-changing for your classmate. At a minimum you have both shown what it means to be unselfish and a good human being.
Good luck in your careers and future. You are truly good brothers.
*******
The IBEW 1245 Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship Applications are accepted in March and October. Additional details can be found at: https://ibew1245.com/scholarships/
– Roberto Balistreri, IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager