Brothers Bud and Lud McCrary founded Big Creek Lumber in 1946 through a combination of hard work, ingenuity, a foundation in the skilled trades and a passion for sustainable forestry.
Now, 75 years later, Big Creek Lumber is honoring that legacy and celebrating 75 years in business by launching the McCrary Family Scholarship, which provides $2,000 to graduating high school seniors pursuing a career in the skilled trades or forestry.
San Lorenzo Valley High School graduate Alex Castro-Neri joined Caeden Murphy, of Paso Robles, as one of two inaugural scholarship honorees.
Castro-Neri will be continuing his education in the construction management program at Hartnell Community College, where he will also be running for the track team. He hopes to one day earn his degree in electrical engineering.
Castro-Neri was raised in Guatemala and came to the United States for high school to pursue his education. In a short time, he became fluent in four languages, including English. During his high school career, Castro-Neri excelled at academics, soccer and track and field.
His passion for electrical engineering was ignited when he got a job apprenticing with an electrician. He has also worked as a cabinet maker and enjoys blending trade skills with creativity and art.
