Tamia Andrews and William Pratt receive AFSCME Ohio Council 8 2026 scholarships, demonstrating core union values of perseverance and hard work
Since 1982, AFSCME Ohio Council 8 has awarded two four-year scholarships each year to the children of Council 8 members to support their academic ambitions as they take on their college education. This year’s recipients for the awards, which provide $2,500 a year for four years, are Tamia Andrews and William Pratt.
The awards have historically honored Ohio labor leaders who are part of Council 8’s legacy. The 2026 scholarships were awarded in honor of Peggy McClain and Thomas Ritchie, two individuals who have greatly shaped Ohio’s labor movement.
Peggy McClain played pivotal roles in AFSCME Ohio Council 8 and the Ohio labor movement, notably around the successful 2011 campaign to repeal Senate Bill 5, protecting collective bargaining rights for public employees across Ohio. She was also committed to growing the next generation of labor leaders in her home local in Columbus, AFSCME Local 2191, and Council 8 at large with a steadfast and courageous spirit.
Thomas Ritchie, who currently continues to serve as the President of the Miami Valley AFL-CIO Labor Council, hails from a five-generation labor family and lives out the values of the labor movement every day. Ritchie continues to support AFSCME Ohio Council 8 members in many ways and shows up to any action he can for his home local in Dayton, AFSCME Local 101, to help make a little noise for workers.
This year’s scholarship recipients have a bright future in service to others and mirror the courage, dedication and hard work that these two honorees demonstrated throughout their careers.
“I will be attending The University of Cincinnati to continue my education in Exercise Science to become either a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist,” Tamia Andrews said of her future plans. “As I prepare for this next chapter, I’m ready to turn this wonderful opportunity into lasting impact.”
Tiarra Andrews, member of AFSCME Local 1746 and mother to Tamia remarked on how proud of her she is, saying that "Tamia has worked hard over the last four years and will continue to work hard...the assistance from this scholarship will allow for her to achieve her dreams. This opportunity is truly a blessing and we are so grateful.”
William Pratt will be attending Ohio University pursuing Psychology within a Pre-Med or Pre-Law track. Through his mother’s union leadership and activism, he says “I gained lifelong concepts that were vital to the creation of my identity such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-value, core principles unions strive to make omnipresent.”
Gina Pratt, member of AFSCME Local 3119 and mother to William says she is proud of his accomplishment in being awarded the scholarship and the effort he’s put forth to financially cover his own education.
“To me, it is important for him to put in the work and take ownership for his education,” Gina said. “I am proud that he received this scholarship. I am proud of him for creating a worthy essay. I am proud to be an AFSCME member in good standing and because of that, I was able to help him with accomplishing his goal.”
Congratulations to Tamia and William on this accomplishment and good luck in their future endeavors!