Paving Her Path: Alejandra Cayetano Named 2025 Roger Graham Scholarship Recipient

At CraneWerks, we believe the future of manufacturing—and of our communities—is built by those bold enough to imagine something better and strong enough to make it real. This year, we are proud to announce Alejandra Cayetano, a graduating senior from Warren Central High School, as the 2025 recipient of the Roger Graham Scholarship.

About Alejandra

Alejandra stood out for her academic excellence and involvement in her school community and her determination to carve out her place in the world of structural engineering—a field still underrepresented by women, but one in which she’s already proving she belongs.

She’ll be attending Purdue University this fall, majoring in Structural Engineering, and already has her eyes set on a range of ambitious goals—from becoming AWS certified to mastering communication and welding techniques.

Walker Career Center's welding classroom at Warren High School in Indianapolis, IndianaA Champion On and Off the Mat

In addition to maintaining academic excellence, Alejandra has been a proud member of the National Honor Society, the Debate Team, and the Varsity Wrestling Team. These experiences have shaped her work ethic and taught her the value of resilience, discipline, and communication—skills that will serve her well as she enters the next phase of her education and career.

When asked what she values most, Alejandra shared: “The values that I live by are trust, honesty and responsibility. This scholarship will help me trust that I will be able to have money to pay for my education. It will also encourage me to live responsibly and teach me to manage my finances better because this is money for my education.”

More Than a Scholarship

Access, exposure, and encouragement are majorly impactful on a student’s future – Alejandra first heard about the Roger Graham Scholarship at her school’s career fair. Her thoughtful response to the application questions demonstrated the kind of drive and perspective that aligns with our mission to support rising talent in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

On the subject of scholarship, Alejandra shared:

“You have to work hard to qualify… Scholarships are only given to those that decide to be the best at what they do and because they took their time to look for ways to better themselves.”

Ashley Larochelle and Alejandra Cayetano discussing studying structural engineering in Lafayette, Indiana at Purdue UniversityEngineering a Future in Manufacturing

Structural engineering is just one of many career paths in manufacturing that are vital to innovation and infrastructure. At CraneWerks, we’re committed to helping students like Alejandra see a future in these industries—not just as workers, but as leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Her story highlights the importance of investing in education, especially for young women pursuing STEM careers.

Advice for Future Applicants

Alejandra’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Reflecting on her childhood, she shared how frequent moves taught her to adapt, persevere, and find strength in vulnerability:


“Whenever I would get dropped off at the new school, it would be like landing in an alien planet… I soon realized that in order to make friends, I had to put myself out there and stop overthinking situations.”

To future students considering applying for scholarships, Alejandra’s story is a reminder that the time you spend investing in yourself—whether through applications, practice, or persistence—is never wasted.


Ashley Larochelle awarding Alejandra Cayetano the 2025 Roger Graham Scholarship

Congratulations, Alejandra! We can’t wait to see what you build next.

Embrace camaraderie, cultivate connections, and honor the unity of family.

Community isn’t solely defined by blood, but by the shared experiences, support, and love that bind us together. Let us prioritize the well-being and unity of our community with strong, resilient and unwavering support in all that we do.

CraneWerks is more than a workplace; it’s a community that prioritizes the holistic well-being of everyone involved, allowing them to flourish both professionally and personally.

Contact us today to learn more about how CraneWerks can support the community.

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