Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative awards scholarships
Megan
Westbrook
The Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative Scholarship Contest is offered annually to children of co-op members who are graduating high school seniors and reside in a home served by Holmes-Wayne Electric. The cooperative has distributed over $255,000 in scholarships within the community since its establishment.
Megan Westbrook of West Holmes High School is the first-place winner of a $3,000 scholarship in the 2022 Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative Scholarship Contest. Westbrook was a part of a group of 26 students representing seven area high schools who competed for a total of $20,200 in scholarships.
Westbrook is the daughter of Jeremy and Leslie Westbrook of Millersburg. She plans to attend Liberty University this fall, dual majoring in conference and event management and Christian leadership and church ministries.
“The most impactful experience of my high school career was attending the Christ in Youth conference with my church,” she said. “I spent that week with my youth group, worshiping and growing in my faith. It has shaped who I am today and the goals that I have for my future.”
Westbrook will represent Holmes-Wayne Electric at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Scholarship Competition in Columbus in April.
Ashley Tate is the second-place winner of $2,800. She is the daughter of Russell and Laurie Tate of Shreve. A senior at West Holmes High School, she will major in agriculture communications at the Ohio State University.
“Earning this scholarship means a lot to me. It will take some of the financial burden off of college so that I can give more focus to furthering my education, the agriculture industry and the Kingdom of God,” Tate said.
Wyatt Freeman is the third-place winner of $2,500. He is the son of Ryan and Bobbi Freeman of Dundee. He will graduate from Hiland High School. This fall he will attend University of Mount Union, majoring in exercise science.
Gus Johnson is the fourth-place winner of $2,000. He is the son of Matt and Holley Johnson of Dundee. He will graduate from Hiland High School and will attend the University of Cincinnati, majoring in civil engineering.
“Getting to lead my band, Low Gap, was a great experience for me,” he said. “I’ve gotten to meet some incredible people and musicians through the experience. We’ve had the honor of recording in Nashville and are excited for the future. This scholarship will help ease the financial burden on me so that I can spend more time on my music and school work without incurring much student debt.”
Marion Dix is the fifth-place winner of $1,900. She is the daughter of Andrew and Bridget Dix of Wooster. A senior at Wooster High School, she will attend either Denison University, Miami University or The College of Wooster, majoring in biology.
“The Tri-County International Baccalaureate Academy has helped prepare me for my future college experience,” she said.
Hunter Ellis is the sixth-place winner of $1,800. He is the son of Maynard and Jessica Patten of Millersburg. A senior at West Holmes High School, he will major in statistics-data science at the University of Akron.
“I am extremely thankful to be able to represent Holmes-Wayne Electric Co-op in receiving this scholarship. This scholarship will motivate me to continue working hard and striving for greatness. Thank you for helping me progress toward my career goal of achieving my bachelor’s degree in statistics-data science,” he said.
Jude Cerniglia is the seventh-place winner of $1,700. He is the son of Andrew and Angie Cerniglia of Holmesville. He is a senior at Waynedale High School and will pursue a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at The College of Wooster.
“My future goal is to become a research scientist,” he said.
Shayna Allshouse is the eighth-place winner of $1,600. She is the daughter of Ben and Joelyn Allshouse of West Salem. A senior at Northwestern High School, she will attend Marietta College and major in either biochemistry or environmental science.
“My personal mission in life is to find something that I am passionate about and pursue it,” she said.
Brock Zimmerly is the ninth-place winner of $1,500. He is the son of Brian and Angie Zimmerly of Shreve. A senior at West Holmes High School, he will major in finance at Ohio University.
“I would like to thank everyone that has played a role in creating this scholarship and helping pick the winners,” he said. “Lastly, keep pushing through your school career or even life because something good will come your way.”
Carmen Schlatter is the 10th-place winner of $1,400. She is the daughter of Carlton and Candice Schlatter of Burbank. A senior at Norwayne High School, she will major in integrated mathematical education at Ashland University.
“My mission in life is not only to be an inspiration to my students in knowledge, but to also be a positive role model in their lives,” she said. “Because I understand how moldable students are in their middle and high school years, I consider it an extremely serious but exciting opportunity to be able to impact their lives so heavily.”
Judges for the two-day virtual competition were Dale Sidle, Lucille Hastings and Melinda Eliot. Having served careers in the education field, their participation in the scholarship program is appreciated.