Nine area graduates have a diploma in one hand and a Federated scholarship in the other.

The Federated Rural Electric Trust recently awarded nine $700 scholarships. One scholarship was awarded in each of the six Federated districts, plus three more to the son/daughter of a Federated member for District At-Large where remaining applicants had a second chance to win. These are the same districts used for the co-op’s director elections.

The recipients from each district are listed:

  • District 1: Ethan Untiedt, Okabena. He graduates from Heron Lake-Okabena High School. Untiedt is the son of Travis and Melissa.
  • District 2 Madison Ruesch, Round Lake. She graduates from Heron Lake-Okabena High School. Ruesch is the daughter of Mark and Heidi.
  • District 3: Trey LaCanne, Windom. He graduates from Windom Area Schools. LaCanne is the son of Jeff & Jeanna.
  • District 4: Colby Ringeisen, Sherburn. He graduates from Jackson County Central High School. Ringeisen is the son Dave & Betty.
  • District 5: Mason Schweiss, Welcome. He graduates from Martin County West High School. Schweiss is the son of Larry and Tia.
  • District 6: Samantha Moeller, Fairmont. She graduates from Granada Huntley East Chain High School. Moeller is the daughter of Brent and Karen.
  • At-Large District : Shaylynn Anderson, Sherburn. She graduates from Martin County West High School. Anderson is the daughter of Stacie.
  • At-Large District: Dylan Stevens, Ceylon. He graduates from Martin Luther High School. Stevens is the son of Rick & Lisa.
  • At-Large District: Sophia Lovell, Alpha. She graduates from Jackson County Central High School. Lovell is the daughter of Dave and Sue.

39 students completed Federated’s short scholarship application. This is the 17th year that students had to apply.

“The $6,300 worth of scholarships comes from Operation Round Up funds,” said Federated’s Trust Board President Marlys Runge. “This is a charitable giving program where participating Federated members’ electric bills are rounded up to the nearest dollar amount. The extra cents go to a special trust fund administered by an independent Trust Board. In addition, unclaimed capital credits are a part of these scholarships.”

This is the 30th consecutive year that Federated has dedicated money to high school scholarships. This is the 25th year of Operation Round Up scholarships. They total $127,600.

“Currently, about 80 percent of Federated members participate in Operation Round Up,” Beseke said. “If a Federated member’s electric bill is not rounded up each month and you want to contribute, just call Federated. You will also receive a statement for your yearly contribution, which is tax deductible.”

Last month the Federated Rural Electric Trust awarded $17,250 to local organizations. These Round Up funds were given to fire departments, educational programs and other community service organizations. The next round of funding will be awarded in the fall. The deadline for interested organizations to submit applications is September 30. Call Federated at 507-847-3520 for more information and an application. Ask for Andrea. Otherwise, download the form from Federated’s website at www.federatedrea.coop.

Federated is a Touchstone Energy cooperative that provides electric service to more than 6,800 members in Jackson and Martin Counties.