Southeastern Electric Cooperative (SEC) 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 ($1,250 each) were provided by Basin Electric Cooperative, our 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 (2) scholarships of $1,250 each, four (4) scholarships of $1,000 each, and five (5) 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 as follows:
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,” said Kinsley. “We are confident that they will continue to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
For more information about youth programs and other member initiatives provided by Southeastern Electric Cooperative, please visit www.southeasternelectric.com.