Give to the Albert Ray Key Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Established by MT Constructors, LLC, the Albert Ray Key Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in the construction industry.
A man of great integrity, Key served as a role model to everyone he knew. Key owned and operated a residential construction business for over 30 years before moving into a superintendent role later in his career.
Key perfected his business skills and methods in construction across a span of over 40 years. A master of communication, he felt at ease working alongside all areas of the industry including installers, inspectors and suppliers. He even became a self-taught bilingual so he could work with others for whom English was a second language.
Known for his mentorship to others in the industry, Key taught his team to "build dreams, not just homes." He would get up early in the morning to supervise a concrete pour and would stay until it was accepted by all parties involved. He knew that the success of the overall job depended on the concrete.
He was raised by his grandparents in the small town of Christmas, Florida, where his grandfather, a carpenter, taught Key how to read plans and blueprints, which led to his eventual career in construction. Later in life, Key met his wife, Sandy, and the two were married for over 26 years before he passed away in 2021 and was survived by his two daughters Lauren and Alli. Key was an avid sportsman and loved competing in softball tournaments, fishing and golf. As an accomplished musician, he enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar and singing country music.
The Albert Ray Key Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to Seminole State students seeking an Associate in Science in Construction Management or a Bachelor of Science in Construction. Eligible students must possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher and indicate what their plans are post-graduation and goals for working within the industry. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need.
Success Stories
Sophia Barraza
Sophia Barraza’s plan for the future is to be a construction project manager. She is nearing completion of her associate degree in construction management and intends to continue her studies to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She looks forward to following in her father’s footsteps, as he is a construction superintendent. To help pay for her classes, she currently works for a local construction company in an administrative role. This scholarship will go a long way in helping her afford her classes and books.
“Thank you so much for awarding me with this scholarship. It relieves so much financial stress in covering part of my schooling at Seminole State. I currently have two jobs just to be able to pay for my classes. I appreciate your help and generosity.”
Joseph Patchett
Joseph Patchett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Seminole State College. His journey through the construction program provided him with the knowledge and experience to focus on his goal of becoming a project manager. Thanks to his diligence by attending several networking events, he was offered a career-changing internship opportunity at HGR Construction. He is currently excited for future endeavors that include working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified sustainable building projects.
“Words cannot describe the amount of appreciation I have for being given this opportunity. I can’t wait to continue to learn on the job site and take everything Seminole State College has taught me with me on my future endeavors.”
Additional Information
Learn more about MT Constructors, LLC, the founder of this scholarship and Albert Ray Key's employer.