Federated Rural Electric Trust awards scholarships to 9 local graduates

 

(Jackson, Minn.) — 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: Carter Johnson, Lakefield. He graduates from Jackson County Central High School. Carter is the son of Jason & Angela.
  • District 2: Kelsey Soleta, Lakefield. She graduates from Worthington High School. Soleta is the daughter of Mark & Stacie.
  • District 3: Noah Orlikowski, Alpha. He graduates from Jackson County Central High School. Orlikowski is the son of Henry & Kelly Soucek.
  • District 4: Kaylyn Domek, Estherville. She graduates from Estherville Lincoln Central High School. Domek is the daughter Martin & Rebecca.
  • District 5: Katelynn Sommer, Fairmont. She graduates from Fairmont Area High School. Sommer is the daughter of Justin & Mary.
  • District 6: Brock Lutterman, Fairmont. He graduates from Fairmont Area High School. Lutterman is the son of Chad & Chrissy.
  • At-Large District: Lincoln Becker, Fairmont. He graduates from Fairmont Area High School. Becker is the son of Lynn & Julie.
  • At-Large District: Rachel Tusa, Alpha. She graduates from Jackson County Central High School. Tusa is the daughter of Steve & Jenny.
  • At-Large District: Sutton Bohlsen, Northrop. He graduates from Martin Luther High School. Bohlsen is the son of James & Tara.

 

“The $6,300 worth of scholarships comes from Operation Round Up funds,” said Federated’s Trust Board President Stuart Smart. “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 33rd consecutive year that Federated has dedicated money to high school scholarships. This is the 28th year of Operation Round Up scholarships. They total $147,900.

“Currently, about 76 percent of Federated members participate in Operation Round Up,” Smart 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 $28,420 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 22. 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.