Basin Electric Awards Sichmeller $1,000 Scholarship
McKenna Sichmeller, daughter of Casey and Annette Sichmeller, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Basin Electric Power Cooperative based in Bismarck, N.D. Basin Electric awards over 150 scholarships per year to children of member cooperative employees and children of member cooperative consumers across the region. Sichmeller’s father, Casey, is an engineer at Southeastern Electric Cooperative in Sioux Falls, a Basin Electric member.
“Basin Electric Power Cooperative takes great pride in its ability to assist in developing rural leadership in our region through our scholarship program,” said Todd Brickhouse, CEO/General Manager of Basin Electric. “The Basin Electric Scholarship Program is designed to recognize and encourage the achievements of the children of member cooperative employees and consumers.”
McKenna recently finished her second year in the nursing program at South Dakota State University in Brookings. She prioritizes her education and has been on the nursing dean’s list every semester. McKenna volunteers on the executive board that organizes the State A Thon fundraiser. All funds raised go to the Sanford Children’s Castle of Care in Sioux Falls. McKenna plans to be a nurse in an adult or pediatric oncology department after graduation. She chose this career path because her father and younger brother both battled cancer. “Thank you so much for picking me for this scholarship,” said McKenna. “The scholarship allows me to focus more of my time studying to be the best nurse I can be!”
“We are proud of McKenna for her accomplishments and wish her the best of luck in finishing her college career,” said Chad Kinsley, CEO of Southeastern Electric Cooperative.
Since the scholarship program began, more than 5,700 students in the Basin Electric system have benefited from this program. Recipients are selected based on academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education and career goals and an outside appraisal by a teacher or adviser.
Cutline: (Left to right) McKenna Sichmeller and Chad Kinsley, CEO.