March 11, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Southeastern Electric Cooperative.

Southeastern Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 scholarship program.

This year, the cooperative awarded a total of $9,000 in scholarships to support the academic pursuits of students in the SEC service territory. Two scholarships of $1,250 each were provided by Basin Electric Cooperative, SEC’s generation and transmission cooperative. Basin Electric also values investing in the economic future of rural areas.

The SEC and Basin Electric scholarship programs are dedicated to recognizing and encouraging the academic achievements of the children of rural electric cooperative members. Two scholarships of $1,250 each, four scholarships of $1,000 each and five scholarships of $500 each were awarded to exceptional students.

“We are thrilled to support the educational aspirations of the talented young individuals within our cooperative community,” said Chad Kinsley, CEO of Southeastern Electric Cooperative. “The SEC scholarship program aims to empower and invest in the future leaders of our communities.”

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

Basin Electric $1,250 scholarships

• Isabella Smithback, Harrisburg High School
• Taylor Kroger, Canton High School

$1,000 Southeastern Electric scholarships

• Chance Riley, Canton High School
• Rory Juhnke, Parkston High School
• Eli Highum, Lennox High School
• Anna Marohl, Centerville High School

 $500 Southeastern Electric scholarships

• Meredith Decker, Tea Area High School
• Jacob Cole, Alcester Hudson High School
• Emily Tuschen, McCook Central High School
• Josephine Plucker, Lennox High School
• Holden Wollmann, Bridgewater-Emery High School

Recipients were selected based on academic excellence, demonstrated through criteria such as grade point average, work experience and participation in school and community activities. Each applicant provided a statement outlining their educational and career goals, along with a written recommendation from a third party.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the scholarship recipients,” Kinsley said. “We are confident that they will continue to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

For information about youth programs and other member initiatives provided by Southeastern Electric Cooperative, please visit southeasternelectric.com.