Congratulations to Kyla Magee, Recipient of the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

August 27, 2025
Pictured: Brian Helm (JRGF President), Kyla Magee (Recipient), Shawn McCarl (Laurel MCA, Inc. – Executive Director), and Rick Gopffarth (MCAA President).

Congratulations to Kyla Magee on receiving the Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at MCAA25 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. This national scholarship honors Foster McCarl, Jr.’s many contributions to advancing the mechanical contracting industry, including his efforts towards establishing what is now known as the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). The scholarship is sponsored by the McCarl family.

Kyla is a Construction Engineering major at the University of Nebraska and plans to graduate this December.  She has been an active member of her student chapter since 2021 and served as the Community Service Chair, Wine Tasting Fundraiser Chair/Vice President, and President. She previously interned with MCAA Members Ray Martin Company and Cerris Systems and will return to Cerris Systems full-time upon graduation.

“I’ve gained so much since joining my local MCA student chapter my freshman year. It’s still hard for me to believe that all my hard work and engagement with MCA-Omaha has paid off already in my career. I started out as a very shy freshman with no real knowledge of construction, and I’ve become a confident senior who knows that mechanical contracting is the place for me.

I’ve learned what it means to be a leader through my roles as President, Wine Tasting Fundraising Chair/Vice President, and Community Service Chair. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country and hear both similar and unique experiences from every person I’ve met at MCAA events. I’ve learned professionalism and networking throughout my internship experiences and local MCA-Omaha events. And last but not least, I’ve grown up so much during my years in the student chapter. I’ve really learned how a strong network and community is so important for growth and development in not only my career, but my life as well.

I hope to stay involved with MCA-Omaha as a mentor to younger students and hopefully inspire others to get involved with all MCAA has to offer.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kyla on this prestigious scholarship and thank the McCarl family for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

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