Meet an Interplastic Scholar: Reagan Lancaster

reagan lancasterReagan Lancaster, daughter of Chris and Kerry Lancaster (Regional Sales Director) was recently selected as one of only six recipients for the 2018 Interplastic Scholars Award. This annual scholarship is sponsored by the Interplastic Corporation in affiliation with the American Composites Manufacturers Association and the International Cast Polymer Alliance.

The other five recipients’ company affiliations included Enduro Composites, Chromaflo Technologies, Owens Corning, Xeres Corporation, and Eastman Chemical.

Strongwell recently invited Regan to Strongwell to better understand her perspective on manufacturing and how the scholarship impacted her.

She was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by her father, Chris Lancaster, who has been an employee of Strongwell for over 20 years. His Strongwell career began as a molded grating supervisor followed by multiple promotions. Prior to becoming a Sales Director, Chris held the title of Manufacturing Manager.

During her interview, Reagan discussed the love and support of her mother and biggest fan, Kerry Lancaster. Kerry has been an educator and administrator for over 20 years with the Sullivan County Department of Education and always encouraged Reagan and her siblings to find ways to become positive community influencers.

To Reagan, composites manufacturing and education have both been constant pillars through her life as both sectors have provided her with necessary opportunities to grow and thrive as an individual.

As a graduate of Sullivan Central, she took advantage of honors classes with dual enrollment at Northeast State Community College. Outside of academics, she participated in tennis, volleyball, cross country, Anchor Club, Yearbook, and National Honors Society. To promote community engagement, both Reagan and her twin sister, Rachel, became mentors and coaches of the Indian Springs Optimist Club Volleyball team.

Both Reagan and Rachel chose to apply to Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University as both wanted to stay close to home. This scholarship provided a means to attend a four year institution while living on campus, compared to commuting or attending a community college to later transfer into a four year institution.