239 applicants.
Ten North Texas school districts represented.
Forty scholarship recipients.
The numbers don’t lie. There are a whole lot of talented young people in our community. Tri-County Electric is proud to be able to power their futures.
Chosen from a competitive field, 40 graduating high school seniors have been selected to each receive a $5,000 scholarship as part of TCEC’s Power Your Future Scholarship Program. These are college or technical school-bound students who reside with parents or legal guardians who are active TCEC members.
Every penny of these scholarship funds is paid for using unclaimed funds, such as capital credit checks, that have not been cashed in three years. Texas law permits electric cooperatives to use a portion of these funds for limited purposes such as scholarships. These dollars would go to the state's general funds if TCEC did not repurpose them and reinvest the funds back into the local community.
“Providing safe, and reliable power at the lowest possible cost is our mission, but concern for community is at the heart of the cooperative model,” said Andrea McCleese, executive vice president, member experience. These scholarships are funded through unclaimed capital credits—not through member funds—allowing us to reinvest those dollars back into the communities we serve by supporting local students.”
Each student completed a comprehensive application that included submission of an official high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and an activity summary or resume.
Also included was an essay component where students demonstrated how they live out TCEC’s Ten Essential Attributes in everyday life.
One student demonstrated their ability to be reliable through a perfect attendance record:
“The perfect attendance record is not about the actual days I was at school. It is about who I am and who I will be in the future. My dedication, determination, discipline, and perseverance will help me succeed at college and in the future in life.”
Another student showed how they were engaged and trustworthy when they noticed a fellow student needing help in completing a school assignment:
“Being mindful of resources— time, energy, and access to academic support— means using them in ways that empower others rather than creating dependence. As I pursue my future goals, I want to carry these values forward by working collaboratively, leading with empathy, and helping build communities where people feel capable, supported, and motivated to succeed together.”
A special thanks goes to the members of the Golden Triangle Rotary Club who served as this year’s judges, taking on the tough task of selecting recipients from a talented group of students. We also thank the teachers and guidance counselors who encouraged students to apply, as well as the various businesses and chambers who helped spread the word about this opportunity. They all played a role in helping TCEC support students’ educational goals.
Pictured directly above: members of the Golden Triangle Rotary Club. From left, Dan Busby, Kristy Shabout, Brandy Ward, Kenn Wardle, Bev Dixon, Joe Schneider. Not pictured: DeWayne Ward, Felix Mira, and Ken Harrison