Big Bend Electric Cooperative awards annual scholarships

During the 74th Big Bend Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting, held recently at the C.J. Newland American Legion Memorial Hall in Ritzville, three students received scholarships and two students earned the opportunity to attend a youth tour. The winners are all seniors at their respective high schools.

The scholarship recipients are Madison Yamane from Warden and Moses Lake Christian Academy, daughter of Marvin and Cheryl Yamane; Stephanie Crowther from Connell High School, daughter of Jed and Diana Crowther; and Sommer Boyd from Connell High School, daughter of Melinda Boyd and Steve Boyd.

After being introduced to the membership, the students had an opportunity to read their scholarship essays. The scholarships are $500 a year for up to four years, with a total value of $2,000.

Two junior class students were also announced as the winners of a trip to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour. The students participating in the youth tour are Sydney Nelson, who attends Lind-Ritzville High School and is the daughter of Rick and Camille Nelson, and Parker Dolezal from Connell High School, son of Jim and Jennifer Dolezal.