REC Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to 17 Students
June 20th, 2024

Fredericksburg, Va. – Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 17 students to help them continue their education or work-force training.

Each year, REC’s Community Scholarship program recognizes students who are seeking to advance their career goals by attending a college or a career and technical school. The applications are open to seniors in high school planning to attend a college or university; students currently enrolled in a college or university; seniors in high school planning to attend a career and technical school; or students currently enrolled in a career and technical school.

“Empowering the youth through the Community Scholarship program not only fosters individual growth but also cultivates the very essence of community resilience,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations. “Investing in our youth today ensures a brighter, more promising tomorrow for the communities we proudly serve.”

REC received a record number of applications in 2024, and we are so excited to announce this year’s winners!

The following students each received a $2,500 scholarship:

Rachel Haile, Hanover County – Hanover High School

Priscillia Zhao, Louisa County – James Madison University

The following students each received a $1,000 scholarship:

Rylie Benson, Frederick County – Sherando High School

Shamari Garnett, Essex County – Virginia Commonwealth University

Calvin Gaspar, Hanover County – Florida Institute of Technology

Anna Hornbaker, Clarke County – Clarke County High School

Regan Jackson, Clarke County Louisana State University

Sarah Lane, Culpeper County – Culpeper County High School

Emma Lohr, Spotsylvania CountyRiverbend High School

Akhil Marri, Greene County – William Monroe High School

Sydney McAdo, Hanover CountySt. Catherine’s School

Kaia Morris, Greene CountyWilliam Monroe High School

Jenna Robey, Rappahannock County, HUES Aesthetic Institute

Aaron Scheible, Spotsylvania CountyMassaponax High School

Hannah Turner, Orange County – American Institute of Nondestructive Testing

Bayleigh Valentine, Spotsylvania County – Massaponax High School

Timothy Wilkening, Orange County – Liberty University

“This scholarship will help pay for my college expenses associated with tuition, room and board, and books, allowing me to focus on my education,” said Rachel Haile. “It’s encouraging to know that REC is supporting me in my college career and this scholarship is further motivation for me to make my time at Virginia Tech worthwhile!”

Applications for the 2025 Community Scholarship are now open. To apply for each scholarship, the applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of REC, and the applicant must be planning to enroll in an accredited educational or training institution. To learn more and access the online application, visit myrec.coop/scholarships.

REC provides electric service to over 178,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.