WCEC Awards $20,000 to East Texas Students

A panel of 3 independent judges recently awarded $20,000 in scholarships as part of Wood County Electric Cooperative’s (WCEC) “Power My World” program. 10 local high school students, who reside within WCEC’s 9-county service area, will each receive a $2,000 scholarship towards their continuing education. The WCEC scholarship program is funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state and not from WCEC’s operating budget.

The independent judges were comprised of WCEC members: Kathy Bargas, Yantis; Debbie Johnson, Lindale; and Cathy Pegues, Golden. These judges used various criteria to down-select the winners from over 45 qualified applicants. Each judge was tasked with reviewing the submissions, accompanying academic records, and lists of civic and community achievements. Each student also submitted an essay, which was read by the judges.

Based on their outstanding work and achievements, the 10 2018 Power My World scholarship recipients are: Kiley Banks, Mineola High School; William Barnett, Alba-Golden High School; Lane Blalock, Quitman High School; Sarah Boykin, Alba-Golden High School; Joshua Holland, Lindale High School; Rylee Keys, Mt. Vernon High School; Luke Kindle, Alba-Golden High School; Ashton Midkiff, Quitman High School; Bailey Newsome, Winnsboro High School; and Rebecca Strub, Big Sandy High School.

Kiley Banks, Mineola; William Barnett, Alba-Golden;Lana Blalock, Quitman;Sarah Boykin,Alba-Golden;Joshua Holland,Lindale;Rylee Keys, Mt.Vernon;Luke Kindle,Alba-Golden;Ashton Midkiff, Quitman; Bailey Newsome,Winnsboro; Rebecca Strub, Big Sandy

Of those selected, WCEC CEO/General Manager Debbie Robinson said, “I look forward to this process every year because it gives me insight into our youth and the accomplishments they will make in the future.  Every single applicant was a standout, and I can’t wait to see their achievements and the positive impacts they will make. And, congratulations to the winners.”