Rappahannock Electric Cooperative announces recipients of 2020 Community Scholarship program

From REC:

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is pleased to recognize its 2020 Community Scholarship recipients. These 17 students have been recognized for their dedication to excellence in learning and community service.

“These high school, college and trade school students are an amazing group,” said Kent Farmer, president and chief executive officer of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, a member-owned utility that provides electric service to nearly 170,000 connections in portions of 22 Virginia counties. “We are inspired by them, and everyone in our communities should be motivated by these young students as ambassadors from Virginia.”

The following 17 students were selected as 2020 Community Scholarship recipients from a competitive pool of high-achieving students:

1. Ms. Olivia Atkins, a Class of 2020 graduate of Rappahannock County High School, plans to study nursing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA.
2. Ms. India Bundy, a Class of 2020 graduate of Essex County High School, plans to study psychology at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.
3. Ms. Rebecca Button, a native of Caroline County, is a student at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she studies engineering.
4. Ms. Audrey Cruey, a Class of 2020 graduate of Madison County High School, plans to study law at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
5. Mr. James Deane, a Class of 2020 graduate of Orange County High School, plans to study architecture at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
6. Ms. Valerie Hernandez-Cervantes, a Class of 2020 graduate of William Monroe High School in Greene County, VA, plans to study nursing at Shenandoah University.
7. Ms. Liliana Kelley-Wagner, a native of Louisa County, VA, is a student at Sweet Briar College, in Sweet Briar, VA, where she studies engineering.
8. Ms. Gabrielle Miller, a native of Spotsylvania County, VA, is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, where she studies communication arts.
9. Ms. Lauren Petty, a Class of 2020 graduate of Rappahannock County High School, plans to study systems engineering at the University of Virginia.
10. Ms. Chesden Reed, a Class of 2020 graduate of King William High School, plans to study accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University.
11. Mr. Nathan Richardson, a Class of 2020 graduate of Massaponax High School in Spotsylvania County, VA, plans to study mathematics at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, VA.
12. Mikayla Rooper, a Class of 2020 graduate of Culpeper County High School, plans to study dental health at Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg, VA.
13. Mr. Charles Rosson, a native of Louisa County, studies at Oklahoma State University, where he studies agricultural business.
14. Ms. Stephanie Smith, a Class of 2020 graduate of Millbrook High School in Frederick County, VA, plans to study graphics design at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.
15. Ms. Kaitlyn Spitler, a Class of 2020 graduate of Clarke County High School, plans to study occupational therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
16. Ms. Jenna Stanley, a Class of 2020 graduate of Skyline High School in Warren County, VA, plans to study public policy at the University of Virginia.
17. Ms. Taylor Talley, a Class of 2020 graduate of Louisa County High School, plans to study political science at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative wishes them success and strength. “We are proud of these young students as they set out to have a positive influence on our local, state, and national communities,” said Kent Farmer. “They are the heart of our hometowns, and we are so happy to support them.”

Each year, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative offers the Community Scholarship to students advancing their career goals by attending a college or career and technical school. An applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member-owner of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and the applicant must be planning to enroll in an accredited educational or training institution. Scholarship recipients are selected based upon their scholastic achievements, community involvement, recommendations and extracurricular activities.

This week, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative launched a social media campaign – #WeAreREC #RECexcellence – to highlight the success of the 17 students. Students, faculty and the public are urged to view and share the good news on Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, amplifying recognition of these young leaders.