Published date: July 6, 2026
For more than 10 years, the Capital Branch has proudly raised funds to support college-bound students pursuing careers in the public works industry. Our largest annual fundraiser is the Capital Branch Golf Tournament, held each June, with proceeds helping to fund our scholarship program.
Each spring, graduating high school seniors are invited to apply for a Capital Branch Scholarship. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, participation in public works activities, and future career plans within the public works profession.
The Capital Branch encourages all members throughout the Capital District to share information about our scholarship program with graduating seniors. By increasing awareness of this opportunity, we hope to attract even more qualified applicants in the years ahead.
This year, the Capital Branch was proud to award two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients:
HELEN LESTAGE
Helen LeStage is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026 at Hoosic Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Helen has been actively involved in leadership roles by serving as President of the National Honor Society, as well as Vice President and Secretary of Student Council. She has also been Treasurer of the Class of 2026 for four years and Captain of the Hoosic Valley Masterminds team. Helen was Captain of the Varsity Girls Soccer team and a hurdler on the Varsity Track & Field team, earning multiple Wasaren League Honorable Mention awards for soccer. Academically, she has attended the New Visions STEM program at RPI during her senior year and participated in the UAlbany Science research program for three years, conducting research in EUV lithography at Albany Nanotech. She is an active member of her community, volunteering for organizations such as HOBY for the past three years, earning the HOBY L4S award for over 150 hours of community service. Helen plans on attending Cornell University in the fall with a major in Chemical Engineering.
LUCAS SEAVER
Lucas Seaver graduated with high honors from Colonie Central High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Project Lead the Way Engineering Program, as well as a three sport varsity athlete. He will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall with a dual major in Mechanical Engineering and Design, Innovation, and Society.