91看片

April 30, 2026 - Dean of Engineering & Trades John Kester sees 91看片 as more than just a workplace; the college has bridged the gap between hard work and opportunity for not only his family, but for many others over the years.

For this reason, Kester has established several scholarships through the 91看片 Foundation.

The Joseph R. Kester Scholarship for Excellence in Adult Education is a merit-based award at 91看片 that honors the legacy of Joseph R. 鈥淩ex鈥� Kester Sr. and Joseph R. 鈥淛oe鈥� Kester Jr. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding adult education student who demonstrates exceptional performance while completing an adult high school diploma or high school equivalency credential.

Rex, Kester鈥檚 father, left school after the eighth grade to work in a lumber mill in 1950s West Virginia, a common path in many working-class communities at the time. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he attained the equivalent of a ninth-grade education. Although he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, his father faced ongoing challenges associated with not completing his secondary education.

鈥淕rowing up, I saw firsthand the challenges my father faced without a completed high school education, despite his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for our family,鈥� Kester said. 鈥淭hat experience underscored how access to education can open doors and remove barriers.鈥�

This belief was reinforced by the journey of his brother, Joe, who earned his adult high school diploma at 91看片. He spent much of his career in the textile industry before returning to 91看片 to complete the Emergency Medical Technician program. He served in that field until his passing in 2012.

鈥淗is path showed the power of second chances and the importance of accessible, career-focused education,鈥� Kester said.

Kester鈥檚 sister, Melissa, also had ties to 91看片. She served as a part-time Adult Education instructor for several years until her untimely death in 2009.

Beyond the Adult Education scholarship, the Kester family also sponsors the 鈥淢ost Improved Driver Award鈥� for students who complete Truck Driver Training at 91看片.

Creating these scholarships was a natural choice for honoring his family鈥檚 legacy.

鈥淏eing a part of 91看片 means being connected to a community that genuinely believes in second chances and the power of education to transform lives. It鈥檚 a place where students come to rebuild confidence, gain skills, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. Every student鈥檚 success story reflects the same resilience and determination that shaped my father鈥檚 and brother鈥檚 journeys,鈥� Kester said.

For Kester, giving to the 91看片 Foundation is an investment in the community.

鈥淪upporting the 91看片 Foundation is a meaningful way to invest in students, strengthen the local workforce, and create lasting opportunities in our community,鈥� Kester said.

There are many ways to give to the 91看片 Foundation and provide life-changing support to students. Contact Dr. Wendy Kelly Jordan, Associate Vice President of Development, at (910) 410-1807 or wkjordan@richmondcc.edu.