Love for his family, hometown and his trade are qualities that made Tyler Brewer stand out. The 18-year-old was recently awarded a scholarship in honor of a fallen Johnstown man.

Brewer was awarded $500 through the Ryan Carosi Memorial Scholarship. Carosi was stabbed to death in Pittsburgh in the summer of 2017.

Carosi was born-and-raised in Johnstown, graduated from GJHS and followed his dream of becoming a carpenter.

Carosi’s brother and his childhood friends wanted to turn the tragedy into something positive, so they started the scholarship to help Greater Johnstown High School (GJHS) students pursue a vocational career.

“Welders can do everything,” said Tyler Brewer, the scholarship winner. “My brother was actually a welder for several years and that sparked my interest.”

Beyond his professional aspirations, Brewer works hard and has pride in Johnstown. In high school, he worked part-time through a welding co-op. After graduating, the 18-year-old started working full-time for JWF Industries.

“He’s really understanding what it means to be a full-time blue-collar worker here in western PA, but he’s doing something that he loves,” said Devin Carosi, Ryan’s brother and a co-founder of the scholarship. “It’s something that Ryan loved when he was going through the ranks and choosing that as his career and Tyler is following just behind him, so it’s very, very nice to see.”

Carosi and Brewer both grew up in the West End neighborhood of Johnstown. They met a few years ago, during a fishing trip.

“We talked all day. He was just the easiest person to get along with,” Brewer said.

That’s why Brewer said winning the scholarship is that much more special.

“Knowing this family, I know what they went through and it was a rough time. I’m just, I’m glad that I could be there and talk through some of it with them. Receiving it is just the biggest honor for me,” said Brewer.

Brewer heads off the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology this fall with a full ride to study welding. He also plans to play football. The money from the Ryan Carosi Memorial Scholarship will help pay for textbooks. Eventually, Brewer wants to go to school for business before moving back home to Johnstown.

Ryan Carosi’s family and friends said they’re excited to help other students like Brewer for years to come.

To learn more about the Ryan Carosi Memorial Scholarship or donate to the fund, click here.