Atlas Machine & Supply Announces First Recipient of the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship

After a highly competitive selection process, Atlas Machine & Supply is proud to announce the first-ever recipient of the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship: Drake Shacklette, a first-year apprentice. The scholarship committee was faced with a tough decision, as all seven applicants showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for machining. The selection process was conducted with great care, ensuring fairness by judging each application blindly, with names and identifying information removed. Each candidate was evaluated based solely on their essays and responses, making the final decision incredibly challenging. Atlas sincerely thanks all applicants for their heartfelt essays and the time they invested in this process.

Drake Shacklette’s application stood out among the talented pool of candidates for his strong commitment to machining, his work ethic, and his dedication to personal growth. A graduate of Meade County High School, Drake balances his responsibilities as an apprentice at Atlas with managing his family farm and volunteering at his church. His enthusiasm for machining is evident in every task he takes on, consistently demonstrating a genuine passion and eagerness to learn.

When asked how the scholarship would impact him, Drake expressed, “With my graduation gift money, I was able to buy some basic tools, but I still rely on my co-workers to borrow tools until I can save enough to buy everything I need for the job. While I'm grateful for my generous co-workers, I would prefer to work independently and have all the tools necessary for success. The Philip Payne Memorial Scholarship will enable me to work more independently and efficiently, allowing me to complete tasks without needing to ask for assistance.”

Drake’s application was thoughtful, sincere, and comprehensive, demonstrating a deep understanding of what it means to earn success. He put significant effort into the essay questions and received glowing letters of recommendation. The application required a great deal of self-reflection and honesty, which isn't always an easy task.

In his application essay, Drake shared his belief that "Scholarships aren't handed out; they're earned through hard work." He wrote, "I've always been taught from a young age that hard work goes a long way because it’s earned! I’ve personally experienced this because I started working at a very young age. I grew up on a farm with unlimited opportunities to work, which included bush hogging, mowing grass, hauling seed, assisting with spraying crops, feeding hay, or offering a hand to whatever task was needed. By starting to work at a young age, I had the opportunity to purchase my first pickup truck at the age of 14 with my own money."

Drake's essay also highlighted his personal connection to Phillip Payne and his family, whose seed supply business, SNS Seed, serves Drake's family farm. He remembered Phillip Payne as an inspiring individual who always had a smile on his face and shared his progress on his Nova car with genuine enthusiasm. This connection further emphasizes the meaning and impact of receiving a scholarship named in Phillip’s honor.

The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship offers a comprehensive tool package valued at $7,300, designed to support the professional growth of apprentices like Drake. This award is part of Atlas's ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of machinists and reflects the values of hard work, dedication, and passion that Phillip Payne embodied.

Harold Morgan, President of Machining and Repair at Atlas Machine & Supply, shared, “Drake's application truly stood out. His dedication to machining, his willingness to learn, and his hardworking nature make him the ideal first recipient of this scholarship. We are honored to support his journey, and we know he will continue to make Phillip Payne’s legacy proud.”

The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship, along with Atlas's longstanding Apprentice Program, continues to support and shape the future of the machining industry by offering opportunities for personal and professional development.

Atlas Machine & Supply is proud to support Drake Shacklette on his journey and looks forward to seeing him continue to thrive in the machining industry, honoring Phillip Payne’s legacy through his dedication and passion.