(RANSOMVILLE, NEW YORK) – For the past 36 years, the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council (NOLC) has awarded three annual $500 scholarships to two graduating High School Seniors whose parents are Union Members and another to a Union Member who is moving forward with their educational dreams. 

And while there have been many a memorable story that has come from these scholarship award winners over the course of time, one of this year’s recipients spoke of her Union Roots dating back to the age of eight, when she attended a Union rally with her father.

“When I was eight, I attended a Workers’ Rally with my Dad,” said Samantha DalPorto (Pictured Below/WNYLaborToday.com Photo), the daughter of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Labor Relations Specialist Lou DalPorto.  “This was the ‘first rally I had ever been to and I was heavily impacted by what I saw.’  These people were standing out there ‘for hours, braving the cold, joining together to fight for what they believed in.’  ‘I realized that his is how change is achieved.’  (That) there is ‘great power in numbers’ and I have participated in various rallies (over the course of time) for other ‘important’ causes.  Today our country ‘seems more divided than ever.’  ‘Greed will be the downfall’ of our Nation.  ‘In order to create a prosperous, collaborative environment, we must give people a fair shot at success.’  ‘That’s why Unions are so important.’  ‘They provide our citizens with the tools they need to succeed, creating a strong and united Middle Class.’”

After Samantha (who will be attending the State University of New York at Fredonia as a Liberal Arts Major) spoke, her father and mother, Joanne, shared with WNYLaborToday.com a photo of their eight-year-old daughter attending that rally which she spoke of - holding an oversized sign that asked: Whose Rights?  Workers’ Rights! (Photo Below, Courtesy of the DalPorto Family).

The NOLC has presented these $500 scholarships - named for long-time Niagara County Union Leader Harry S. Jordan - to nearly 80 recipients over the course of time, totaling around $38,000. 

NOLC President Jim Briggs - who welcomed all to the scholarship reception that was hosted at International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 463 in Ransomville, said: “This is ‘always a fun night to look back at the successes of the younger generation and we wish you the best going forward.’  Today, our youth ‘has a more difficult path and I apologize for that, but use your scholarships and talk about the Labor Movement in the future.’  ‘You’re headed down the right road and we will need your help as we all work to rebuild the Labor Movement.’”

Bill Jakobi, the United Way of Greater Niagara/NOLC Labor Liaison, told all in attendance that Organized Labor in Niagara and Orleans Counties is “proud” of giving back to the sons and daughters of those who work so hard to make things better in the local Labor Movement.

“The Labor Movement ‘truly believes in helping the next generation,’” Jakobi said.  “Education is ‘very important today’ as so many manufacturing jobs (which pay outstanding wages and benefits) have left our area.  And, we hope that, someday, our scholarship award winners will become our ‘leaders of tomorrow,’” he said.

Also receiving scholarships were Sarah LoCurto, who was sponsored by Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 335 and is headed to Duke University, and Lyndsey Frick - a Fifth Grade School Teacher sponsored by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168, who received the President’s Award Scholarship and is continuing her education.

While LoCurto also read her essay – which described her view of an ideal political leader - to area Labor Leaders, Frick was unable to attend the event because of a prior commitment.

“A political leader ‘should be an embodiment of the society we live in and work toward, an inspiration to others,’” LoCurto (Pictured Below/WNYLaborToday.com Photo) read, in part.  “For this reason, my ideal view of a political leader ‘is a person who is concerned with other people - someone with compassion, patience, wisdom and diplomatic skills, an honest person.’  A society with ‘this kind of leader will constantly progress, striving toward positivity and justice – because a good leader creates a ripple effect.’  Ultimately, a leader ‘is someone who puts others’ needs before their own.’  ‘Someone who will worth together toward a goal.’  My ‘ideal’ political leader ‘would be a person who tries above all to consider others first.’  Someone ‘who exhibits empathy, neutrality and purpose.’  ‘And, any good leader must first be a good person.’”

CWA Local 1168 Representative and NOLC Board Member Denise Abbott read Frick’s essay – titled: Why Do You Think Unions and Community Services are So Important? - which said, in part: “Communities ‘depend on everyone working together for the greater good.’  Unions provide Laborers ‘with opportunities for safe working environments and fair treatment.’  When both of these factors ‘are combined, communities often thrive.’  A ‘strong’ Union ‘can provide the community with engaging resources for all’ Working Families.  ‘Every day, I see the positive effects of’ Community services.  Low income families ‘benefit from these services when they may not otherwise have the means to afford them.’  Many families at our school ‘come from countries that do not have’ Labor Laws or Unions.  ‘Many’ of these parents ‘choose jobs that involve Union support.  ‘This then affects their children - my students.’  When students ‘learn the importance and involvement of Unions, they see the benefits for their own future as a working adult.’”

The NOLC annual scholarships are named after Jordan, who was born in England in 1894 and later immigrated to America.  After moving from Springfield, Illinois to Niagara Falls in 1914, he began to pursue his chosen Trade with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).  Jordan served as the first Business Agent for Local 237 in Niagara Falls, a position he held for 52 years.  Serving on the Local's Apprenticeship Board, Jordan was involved in establishing courses that maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship.  In 1958, then U.S. Secretary of Labor James Mitchell singled out Jordan for his efforts. 

Jordan's achievements were many.  He served as the President of the Niagara Falls Federation of Labor in 1919 and continued in that capacity until it merged with the NOLC in 1956.  Jordan served as its President until 1971.  He also served as President of the Niagara County Building and Construction Trades Council from 1933 to 1941, and as a Trustee of the Niagara County Building Trades Council from 1941 until his retirement in 1971. 

Jordan's interest in helping the everyday Working Person extended far beyond Organized Labor into the field of public housing.  For his efforts, Jordan was affectionately known as the Father of Public Housing.  He served on the Niagara Falls Housing Authority for 30 years, including 14 as its Chairman.  In 1963, the Public Housing Administration honored Jordan for his efforts and dedication. 

On another front, Jordan was active in the American Red Cross, the Community Chest, served as a Member of the Niagara Falls Urban Renewal Agency, as a Trustee on the Niagara Community College Campus in Sanborn, and also found time to serve as Chairman of the Educational Foundation at the local college.

In a bio that appears yearly in the Scholarship Dinner Program, it is noted: "Jordan's long record of continuous service to Organized Labor stands as a tribute to the ordinary man.  Everyone who knew him benefited from knowing him, his hard work, positive influence upon his community, as well as, to the area's Unionized Construction Industry continue to this day."