H-W Electric Co-op awards scholarships
The Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative Scholarship Contest is offered annually to co-op members’ children who are graduating high school seniors and reside in a home served by Holmes-Wayne Electric. The cooperative has distributed more than $275,000 in scholarships within the community since its establishment.
Judges for the two-day virtual competition were Dale Sidle, Craig Hershberger and Melinda Eliot.
Sarah Irwinof West Holmes High School is the first-place winner of $3,000 in scholarships in the 2023 contest. Irwin was part of a group of 37 students representing 11 area high schools who competed for a total of $20,200 in scholarships.
Irwin is the daughter of Cormac and Jody Irwin of Big Prairie. Her top school choice this fall is Marietta College.
“I am honored to represent Holmes-Wayne Electric Co-op, and receiving this scholarship means so much to me,” she said. “While my major may currently be undecided, I know that this scholarship will benefit me in so many amazing ways. I can now focus more of my time on future education and goals rather than focusing too much on the finances that go along with it.”
Irwin represented Holmes-Wayne Electric at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives scholarship competition in Columbus.
Other winners
Jaret Snyder won second place ($2,800). Snyder is the son of Nate and Amy Snyder of Big Prairie. A senior at West Holmes High School, he will major in music education with an instrumental emphasis at Ohio University.
“The most meaningful experience of my high school career was the All-Ohio state fair band,” he said. “It opened my eyes to how the arts can provide both technical and personal enrichment. Joining this group fueled my desire to constantly seek discomfort and try new things, which is exactly why I’m excited to begin college.”
Katie Seboe won third place ($2,500). Seboe is the daughter of Kelly and Julie Seboe of Millersburg. She will graduate from Loudonville High School. This fall she will attend Geneva College, majoring in communications with a minor in writing.
“This scholarship shows the importance of community and the impact it has had on my life,” she said. “By showing that others are greater than me, whether that’s tutoring fifth-graders or simply sacrificing my time, I have seen how the people around me change who I am. I am so thankful for this opportunity.”
Noah Cerniglia won fourth place ($2,000). Cerniglia is the son of Andrew and Angela Cerniglia of Holmesville. He will graduate from Waynedale High School and Tri- County International Baccalaureate Academy. He will attend The College of Wooster or University of Notre Dame, majoring in environmental engineering or architecture.
“In high school I was lucky to be able to attend the International Baccalaureate program at Wooster High School and pursue the academic rigor I desired,” he said. “I want to thank the IB program for all it has done for me, allowing me to grow as a student and a member of this community. I would also like to thank Holmes-Wayne Electric for giving me this scholarship and aiding me in my academic pursuits.”
Laci Snyder won fifth place ($1,900). Snyder is the daughter of Nate and Amy Snyder of Big Prairie. A senior at West Holmes High School, she will attend the University of Cincinnati, majoring in computer science.
“I am beyond grateful to have received this scholarship,” she said. “It will help relieve some of the financial burdens of college and will aid me in focusing more on my academics and to achieve a technological career.”
Jenna Rose won sixth place ($1,800). Rose is the daughter of Kevin and Jessica Rose of Wooster. A senior at Triway High School, she will major in kinesiology at Miami University.
Claire Yost won seventh place ($1,700). Yost is the daughter of Matthew and Abby Yost of Wooster. She is a senior at Central Christian High School and will pursue a degree in business management and minor in entrepreneurship at Taylor University.
Becca Schuch won eighth place ($1,600). Schuch is the daughter of Jason and Erika Schuch of Shreve. A senior at West Holmes High School, she will attend Grace College and major in environmental studies/sciences and minor in communications.
Lily Yoder won ninth place ($1,500). Yoder is the daughter of Brian and Stephanie Yoder of Walhonding. A senior at River View High School, she is pursuing a degree in dental hygiene at Shawnee State University.
Felicity Cline won 10th place ($1,400). Cline is the daughter of Heath and Amy Cline of Killbuck. A senior at West Holmes High School, she will major in nursing at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Established in 1935, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative Inc. is a nonprofit electric distribution utility owned and operated by its member owners. Headquartered in Millersburg, with a district office in West Salem, HWEC maintains over 2,300 miles of distribution line and 19 substations. HWEC serves more than 18,000 accounts in Holmes, Wayne, Medina, Ashland, Stark, Tuscarawas, Knox and Coshocton counties. A nine-member board of trustees, comprised of cooperative members and elected by the membership, oversees the cooperative.