June 4, 2024
In a show of support for education and community involvement, the Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) has awarded a total of $80,000 in college scholarships this year, $4,500 of which went to four local high school seniors. These scholarships, named after notable figures and past chair persons of the Foundation, are a testament to the cooperative's commitment to the youth and their families.
The first recipient, Grayson Richardson, a graduate of Eastern Montgomery High School, received a $1,000 Worth Hudson scholarship. This scholarship, named in honor of Hudson, the Foundation’s first chairman, will support Grayson's continued studies.
Serenity Campbell, a student at Alleghany High School, also received a $1,000 Worth Hudson scholarship. Serenity's dedication to her studies and her community involvement impressed the selection committee.
Emaleigh Radford, a student at Craig County High School, was awarded a $1,000 Worth Hudson scholarship. Emaleigh's parents, who are consumer-members of Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative (CBEC), made her eligible for this scholarship.
Finally, Lydia Dunbar, a student at James River High School, received a $1,500 C.D. Hypes Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, named after a local educator who served for many years on the board of CBEC, is awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.
The recipients were chosen through a competitive screening process. The criteria included financial need (40%), academic achievement (40%), and community involvement (20%). The applicants, all seniors graduating from either high school or home school in 2024, were required to provide evidence of their acceptance into a post-high school educational institution or program. They also had to be children whose parents are consumer-members of CBEC, making them eligible for these scholarships.
The Education Scholarship Foundation of the VMDAEC is funded through tax-deductible donations and bequests from individuals, the proceeds of benefit fundraising events, and CoBank’s Sharing Success Program. This foundation has been providing scholarships since 2001 and has awarded over $1 million to deserving students. These four individuals represent the values of CBEC, and their scholarships will undoubtedly help them achieve their academic and professional goals. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to the positive impact they will make in their communities and beyond.