This quarter’s Spotlight is on Rick Reeves, 4th year apprentice plumber and 2023 Apprentice of the Year for NWA and Western Region.
By Robin D’Onofrio
Rick was born in Mulberry, AR and has lived there all of his life. He attended and graduated from Mulberry-Pleasant View High School in 2020. While he was in high school, AGRA class was his favorite. He loved working with his hands and seeing the outcome of the projects he worked on.
Sports was also high on the list of favorite things to do. He loved playing basketball, baseball, and tennis. His high school tennis team went to state finals three out of four years! Rick was not only good at tennis; but also, baseball. Rick was a catcher on the high school baseball team and received two different scholarships. After a tour of each college, he made his decision of where he wanted to go next.
After graduation, Rick began his new life at Labette Community College in Parsons, KS, with the Labette Cardinal’s baseball team. Unfortunately, his scholastic career was shortened by an injury.
Another love of Ricks was racing. While in high school, he was part of a family racing team for drag cars, modifieds, and high-speed go karts. He and his team won two championships with their go-kart. Their drag racing car was named “Brief Encounter!”
Rick also loves to deer hunt. He won a competition by tagging an 8-point buck that scored 120”.
Currently, Rick is a 4th year apprentice plumber at ACTA, in Fort Smith, AR. He will graduate in the spring of 2024.
His future is bright, both in his career path with Action, Inc., and personally. He is engaged to Faith Stepusin, and are planning a spring wedding in 2024. Rick and Faith were childhood sweethearts and have been together since 9th grade.
Rick still lives in Mulberry with his family and three dogs…two “bullies” and one “dashound/poodle mix.”
Rick described himself as a “simple” person living a simple life. He is devoted to his family and loves to spend time with them, especially on Sundays with his dad.
In the future, he would like to get a camper and travel to see some favorite places, such as Colorado and Oregon.
Looking back over Rick’s young life, you can seriously say he has been busy! In 2023 Rick received the Apprentice of the Year Award for the NWA and Western Region. This is what Evan Dvorak, his foreman and teacher had to say about him:
“Congratulations Rick Reeves!
Rick Reeves is a dedicated, and hard-working apprentice. He is always willing to give a helping hand to help solve a problem or just taking the time show another apprentice a better method to complete a task more efficiently. He gives his all in the classroom and in the field. I look forward to having him on my jobs, and I honestly believe he embodies what this award is about, and strives to become a better apprentice/employee on a daily basis.” – Evan Dvorak, Foreman
In closing, I would like to add that Rick Reeves is one of the nicest young individuals I have ever met. He is always courteous and respectful. I went back thru his apprentice school attendance, and it is nearly perfect. This just goes to show you his integrity and character.
Rick is highly deserving of being in the “Spotlight of the Quarter!”
Job Well Done Rick!
