Kosciusko REMC President and CEO Steve Rhodes announced the winners of the 2009 KREMC Scholarship Program.
Sixty students applied for the six $1,000 scholarships awarded.
"This year's field of applicants were a phenomenal group of students," said Rhodes. "By investing in the education of our future leaders, we know we're helping create a strong leadership base to serve our county for many years to come."All applicants were required to submit an application detailing their high school or college grades, community involvement, and to write an essay. Applications were scored by independent judges from Grace College, and 12 candidates were selected from all entrants to be interviewed by area educators. The field was then narrowed to the winning students.
This year's KREMC scholarship winners are:
Tippecanoe Valley High School senior Lindsey Franks is the daughter of Keith and Marcella Franks, Warsaw. She has been active in Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services; is a member of National Honor Society, serving as secretary; and has been involved in volunteer work for the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Peers Helping Peers and is active in her church youth group. She plans to attend University of St. Francis in the fall to study graphic arts.
Erika Green is the daughter of Brian and Tami Green, Warsaw. She is a senior at Warsaw Community High School, where she is a co-operative student at the Greater Warsaw Co-operative Preschool, working as a teacher's assistant. She is also active in National Honor Society and the school choir. She is actively involved with her church, participating in the youth group, church drama group and Servant and Leadership Training. She plans to attend Bethel College, and pursue a career in early childhood education.
A soon-to-be graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School, Breanna Parker is the daughter of Stephanie Shull, Mentone, and Jerry Parker. She is the president of National Honor Society, a peer facilitator, senior class treasurer and is a student tutor. She also participated in the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy. Breanna plans to attend Taylor University, and to pursue a career in social work.
Garrett Penn just completed his freshman year at Bethel College, where he is majoring in psychology. He resides in Etna Green with his family, KREMC members Curt and Brenda Ebersole. He is an active volunteer for Pet Refuge in South Bend, and is also very active in mission work for his church. In high school, he was a peer facilitator and a National Honor Society member.
The daughter of Dave and Sherilyn Rank, Warsaw, Ashton Rank just completed her freshman year at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. During her high school career, she was a Boys and Girls Club mentor, and was active in National Honor Society. At college, she has been involved as a Big Sister and a Special Olympics volunteer.
The daughter of Mark and Pam Slabaugh, Leesburg, Brooklynne Slabaugh is a senior at Warsaw Community High School. She plans to attend Purdue University, where she will pursue a degree in agricultural communications.
During her high school career, she has been active in FFA, serving as vice president and secretary; is a member of National Honor Society, and is actively involved in her church.
KREMC Scholarships are open to all members in good standing - and their dependents - who are pursuing higher education (including technical programs, master's and doctorate degrees) at an accredited two-year or four-year university. Applications for the 2010 scholarships will be available at the KREMC office or on the KREMC Web site in January.
KREMC is a member-owned Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative serving more than 17,000 members throughout Kosciusko County and into surrounding counties.
