September 10, 2024
Meet 2024 Cadet Engineers: Zachary Roy & Alexander Dumas
Each summer, the energy throughout HG&E increases as we welcome our new and returning Cadet Engineering students. In 2024, two exceptional high school graduates arrived, their eyes bright with ambition and minds overflowing with innovative ideas about the future. Graduating from Holyoke High School and Hampshire Regional High School, respectively, Alexander (Alex) Dumas and Zachary (Zack) Roy both graduated a
t the top of their classes and got right to work after receiving HG&E's Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Scholarship for Cadet Engineers.
With an interest in understanding key challenges in the energy industry and the State of Massachusetts carbon-free energy roadmap, Zack was keen to join HG&E's hydroelectric division as an aspiring mechanical engineer. There was no time to waste this summer, Zack began working while HG&E was managing a major overhaul of Hadley Falls Unit No. 2. This hydroelectric generator was originally commissioned in 1984 and several components were nearing the end of their expected lifespan and needed replacement. This enhancement will assist the Department in delivering low-cost, reliable, and carbon-free power. Zack will leave for his freshman year of college with an understanding of how a large-scale hydroelectric project is managed, in addition to understanding the inner components of a hydroelectric generating unit and much more.
This summer, Zack worked alongside Jack Shea, a 2020 Cadet Engineering Scholarship recipient and Harvard University Senior. Jack has worked in both the Electric and Hydroelectric Divisions over the last four years and provided invaluable insight as Zack's peer. In 2024, with Jack's support, HG&E was awarded the American Public Power Association's DEED — Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments — grant, which is a program that supports public power scholarships, research and development. This grant opportunity has helped HG&E expand upon the prestigious Cadet Scholarship.
From a very early age, Zack was fortunate to be exposed to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) due to his parents' backgrounds in mechanical engineering. This early exposure sparked his curiosity in these fields. “I knew I wanted to be an engineer from a young age, and that pathway was solidified in my high school physics class,” said Zack. “In this class, I competed against my classmates in many challenges, including bridge building, catapult construction, and bottle rocket engineering. My teacher commented that my bottle rockets traveled further than any other in the history of the competition - that felt incredible.”
Zack was proudly the valedictorian of his high school class, an achievement he earned by successfully completing extra honors-level and AP courses.. When not at school, Zack could often be found on the ice - either working as a hockey referee or playing for one of the many teams he enjoyed. His passion for skating began at the age of two when he joined the Learn to Skate Program at the Fitzpatrick Arena, supported by his family of hockey enthusiasts. This fall, Zack will begin his freshman year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he will major in Mechanical Engineering with hopes to participate on the school’s club hockey team.
While Zack is working on generation, across town at the Electric Station, Cadet Engineer Alex Dumas, is having a totally different experience working on the electric operations side of HG&E's business. From data collection to substation operation, Alex is taking in all the details he can before he heads off to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst this fall to study electrical engineering.
“The most incredible thing I have learned this summer is how very small devices are relied upon to transfer a significant amount of power,” said Alex. “I have especially enjoyed working with the electrical operations and engineering team who have helped me understand the North Canal Substation. I really enjoy being out in the field and seeing how all the components interact to get power to homes.”
Graduating third in his high school class with approximately 16 college credits in his portfolio, thanks to Holyoke Community College's Dual Enrollment program, Alex has an already impressive resume. Alex first set his sights on the Cadet Engineering program when he was a sophomore who had just enrolled in Holyoke High School's Engineering and Life Sciences Academy. He listened to a full day of presentations from HG&E's linemen, human resources employees, and marketing team members. These events provided invaluable perspective into the utility industry, which is a career pathway Alex is excited to explore with hands-on experience.
Through his diverse interests and community involvement, Alex has developed into a well-rounded individual, balancing his academic pursuits with his love for sports and his commitment to his hometown of Holyoke. Born and raised in Holyoke, Alex has deep roots in the community and a strong sense of local pride. His commitment to his hometown is evident in his choice to work at the Holyoke Children's Museum during his high school years. When not immersed in his studies or community work, Alex enjoys soccer, disc golf, and volleyball. He's particularly passionate about the Boston Celtics, he was obviously thrilled with their performance this year.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for our young engineers and what innovations and opportunities they will bring back to the City of Holyoke. The Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Scholarship for Cadet Engineers is open to City of Holyoke residents who are in an accredited college engineering program or who are graduating from a duly accredited senior secondary school and have been accepted into an accredited engineering program. The Cadet Program has allowed HG&E to keep engineering talent local. Currently, 13 full-time employees came through the program at the start of their careers. For additional application criteria, please visit www.hged.com/cadet.