Alfalfa Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the 2024 We Power You senior scholarship winners. Established in 2023, the scholarships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of high school seniors, who are striving to further their education in colleges or trade schools. AEC is proud to invest in these future leaders of our cooperative communities.
In May, AEC presented scholarships to four outstanding students at school award assemblies. Each recipient demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishments and leadership skills to earn this recognition.
Jacob Eck, Medicine Lodge High School, plans to attend Kansas State University, to pursue a career in mechanical engineering in an agricultural setting. He plans to return to the rural area to help the farmers and ranchers reduce their operations and equipment costs.
“I would like to implement cheap yet high-quality technology that farmers and ranchers can use to upgrade and maintain their operations,” he said. “I live on a farm and see the need for more cost-effective and quality equipment, and I would like to make that a reality.”
Maryanne Heim, Cherokee High School, will attend Oklahoma Christian University and pursue an elementary education degree with a minor in art.
“My passion for art education was inspired during my participation in speech and debate and theater,” she said. “I desire to help today’s youth gain as much as I did from my fine arts mentors. I joined speech and debate during my sophomore year. I was welcomed and valued, and this helped me gain confidence.”
Xander Jackson, Cherokee High School, is pursuing a career in the film industry at Oklahoma City University. He is still determining which path he wants to follow, but the program he will go through will help him decide.
“I chose film because of my love for the arts and interest in technology,” he said. “Being in one-act and speech and debate with Mr. Paris helped me develop a deep appreciation for the arts.”
Eldon Waters, Ringwood High School, plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Rural community hospitals often need more anesthetists, as many anesthesiologists settle elsewhere due to salary and lifestyle choices.
“This career is perfect for me since I plan on living in rural areas,” he said. “I have had many great caregivers, which inspired me to become one myself and serve my community. As a nurse anesthetist, I hope to ease the pain of my patients and provide them with the excellent care they deserve.”