Perhaps this year more than ever, LPEA is honored to support local youth in their pursuit of higher education and training. Seven promising local high-school students were selected out of 78 applications to receive this year’s round of LPEA scholarships, and they have exciting plans despite the current pandemic pause.
The LPEA Scholarship (up to $28,000 for tuition, books, and fees at any university or college) was awarded to Logan Moore from Durango High School to study Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, and to Makayla Howell from Ignacio High School to study Business at Fort Lewis.
“I love playing volleyball and basketball because it’s a great way to make friends and help me stay motivated. Receiving this scholarship is both a great achievement and a huge motivator. This scholarship has helped my family and I with the financial stress that comes with going to college. Being gifted with this also showed me how much all my hard work has paid off. My family and I are extremely thankful for the help that LPEA has provided me with.” – Makayla Howell
"This scholarship means the world to me and my family. I can now really afford to go to college and continue skiing at the level that I am capable of while obtaining an education in environmental studies at one of the top institutions in the country. Thanks to LPEA I can follow my dreams." – Logan Moore
The John Voelker Memorial Scholarship ($10,000 for tuition, books, and fees at any vocational school, technical school, or junior college) was awarded to Emzy (Tay) Barker from Pagosa Springs High School to pursue electrician training.
“I love playing football, wrestling, track; showing my pigs and riding my horse in 4-H; woodworking and building things; cattle ranching; going to youth group and participating in bible studies. I love traveling and most things outside; spending time with friends and family. The John Voelker Memorial scholarship means a lot to me and my family because it will help with my upcoming finances as I pursue an education in the trades.” – Tay Barker
The LPEA Lineman Scholarship ($12,000 for tuition, books, fees, and tools for line school) was awarded to Callum Marshall from Bayfield High School to study at Colorado Mesa University.
“I love to cook but love to eat more! I like finding new recipes and cook for my friends. I am so grateful to LPEA for awarding me the lineman scholarship. It is a great honor and a privilege to jump start my career.” – Callum Marshall
The Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship ($1,000 for expenses at any school) was awarded to Madeleine Burns of Durango High School to study Engineering at Princeton University.
“Running is one of my favorite hobbies. I have run track and cross country for Durango High School for the past four years and will be continuing my running career in college at Princeton University. The support that local cooperatives such as LPEA and Basin Electric provide for pursuing my education means a lot to me and my family. I appreciate the willingness of these organizations to cultivate and encourage local academic achievement. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and am excited to use this generous scholarship to further my education.” – Madeleine Burns
Tri-State G&T Scholarship ($500 for expenses at any school): Awarded to Patricia Pena from Durango High School to study Environmental Engineering at Fort Lewis College, and to Sage Davis from Animas High School to study Mechanical Engineering at Colorado University.
“I have many passions in life but the one that I will be taking with me through all of my life is cycling. I have grown up biking and I will continue to do it for the rest of my life. This scholarship has helped my family tremendously especially in this time of need. The economy is crazy right now and getting the text saying that I had gotten a scholarship from LPEA, my family and I could take a bit of a breath. The process is never over but this scholarship helped to understand that everything is worth it and anything is helpful.” – Sage Davis
“Basketball is my passion. I love the game with my whole heart. Basketball motivated me to maintain high grades and a positive attitude. This scholarship will help me achieve my goal of becoming the first in my family to attend college. I will have to pay for college on my own, that is why I am so grateful for this scholarship. My family is very appreciative to LPEA for this scholarship as well.” – Patricia Pena
The LPEA Scholarship, John Voelker Memorial Scholarship, and LPEA Lineman Scholarship are funded by LPEA’s unclaimed capital credit funds. The Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship and Tri-State G&T Scholarship are funded separately by those organizations. More information on LPEA scholarships at lpea.coop/scholarships.