Atlas Machine & Supply is proud to announce Christopher Whitfill as the 2025 recipient of the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship.
After a highly competitive selection process, Atlas Machine & Supply is proud to announce the 2025 recipient of the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship: Christopher Whitfill, a 2025 graduate from Breckinridge County High School and first-year Atlas Apprentice. The scholarship committee was once again met with a difficult decision, as this year’s applicants demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for the machining trade. Each application was reviewed carefully and judged anonymously, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. Atlas sincerely thanks all applicants for their thoughtful essays and the time they dedicated to sharing their stories and aspirations.
Christopher’s application stood out for its sincerity, craftsmanship, and depth of character. His words reflected not only a passion for machining, but also the values that define both Atlas and the legacy of Phillip Payne - dedication, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others.
In his essay, Christopher shared how his lifelong curiosity for understanding how things work naturally led him to machining. From working on his cousin’s farm and repairing equipment to pursuing hands-on technical training, he found his calling in precision work and problem-solving. But beyond his skills, Christopher expressed a deep respect for the people who make the trade meaningful - those who lead with hard work, humility, and heart.
He also spoke about his good friend, Phillip Payne, or "PP" as he called him, inspired his journey, writing that Phillip’s love for his work and reputation for excellence continue to motivate him to carry on that same spirit through his own career. That sense of purpose - to honor a legacy while building his own - is what truly set his application apart.
Christopher’s story also highlighted his strong personal values of faith, family, and work ethic. Whether helping a stranger in need or putting in long hours on a tough job, he believes in giving 110% to every task, no matter the circumstance. It’s that mindset, coupled with his commitment to continuous learning, that makes him an outstanding representative of this year’s scholarship.
The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship provides a professional tool package supporting the development and success of promising young machinists in the Atlas Apprenticeship Program, like Christopher. This scholarship honors the legacy of Phillip Payne - a dedicated Atlas team member remembered for his craftsmanship, attitude, and unwavering work ethic. This serves as a reminder of the impact one person can make on others through their example.
Christopher’s machining instructor shared, “From the moment Christopher embarked on his journey in machining, it was clear that he possessed an innate curiosity and a remarkable aptitude for the trade.. The values instilled in him - faith, family, and a strong work ethic - drive his ambition to not only succeed in his career but also to inspire the next generation of machinists."
Through the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship and Atlas’s Apprenticeship Program, Atlas remains committed to supporting the next generation of machinists - those who continue to prove that our industry is truly Powered by People.