Black Warrior awards 10 scholarships

For the sixth year, Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation awarded scholarships to high school graduating seniors in West Central Alabama.

Black Warrior presented $500 scholarships to 10 students. The scholarships are awarded through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which was created by Alabama’s electric cooperatives as a means to give back to their communities.

“As a board, one of the most satisfying things we do each year is recognize students for their academic achievements,” Board President Terry Barr said. “We have some outstanding students throughout our service area, and to be able to assist them as they continue their education in college is not only an honor, but something every one of our board members sees as part of our service to the communities we serve.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must be a graduating high school senior who is the dependent of a Black Warrior Electric member. The money is awarded directly to the school of the student’s choosing and is good for four years. 

Applications were distributed to the more than 20 high schools in the utility’s 12-county coverage area. Black Warrior EMC board members went to the school of each student to present the awards.

This year’s winners are:

• Rebecca Lynne Campbell of Toxey, a student at South Choctaw Academy. She plans to major in dental hygiene.
• Cameron Todd Robinson of Gilbertown, a student at South Choctaw Academy. He plans to major in engineering.
• Brody Wayne Osburn of Greensboro, a student at Demopolis High School. He plans to major in general business.
• Leah Beth Stewart of Greensboro, a student at Southern Academy. She plans to major in biology/pre-medicine.
• Jordan Elizabeth James of Greensboro, a student at Southern Academy. She plans to major in sports management/therapy.
• Samuel David Lewis of Gilbertown, a student at Patrician Academy. He plans to major in environmental science.
• Mary G. Becton of Millry, a student at Millry High School. She plans to major in engineering.
• Shon K. Jones of Forkland, a student at Demopolis High School. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.
• Landon Scott Smith of Butler, a student at Patrician Academy. He plans to major in electrical technology.
• Shakira Samone Wright of Coatopa, a student at Sumter Central High School. She plans to major in accounting.

In November, Black Warrior EMC will send out scholarship information and application forms for next year to all high schools in its service area.

The applications are evaluated by the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which on behalf of the electric cooperatives has been awarding scholarships to students at vocational and trade schools and four-year colleges and universities since 2001. The foundation has awarded scholarships totaling more than a half-million dollars.