Children of Members Scholarship Winners

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June 1, 2022

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives awarded 24 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in its annual Children of Members Scholarship competition. Students from member households representing each of the Ohio-based electric distribution cooperatives competed for $44,200 in scholarships. A panel of independent judges reviewed applications and conducted interviews with the students.

First place: Sara Newsome, South Central Power Company

Ranked first in her class at Hillsboro High School, Sara is accomplished academically and personally. Sara is a member of the National Honor Society and student council, serves the local homeless shelter and humane society, and has earned an Associate of Arts degree. After graduation, Sara plans to study psychology and neuroscience in college with a focus on pre-law. One of her high school instructors commends Sara’s ambition, curiosity, and desire to understand how and why concepts connect.

Second place: Owen Van Horn, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative

Owen has ambitions to study physics, astrophysics, and astronomy in college, and has spent his high school career fine-tuning the skills and character traits needed to be successful. Within his community, Owen has served the St. Jude Youth Ministry and St. Vincent de Paul Society, participated on the 4-H Board of Directors and student council, and was active with Emerging Rural Leaders and Saints & Scholars. One of his instructors says, “Owen embodies the values of hard work, integrity, leadership, and scholarship.”

Third place: Carrie Rhoades, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative

An agriculturalist at heart, Carrie has been heavily involved in 4-H, FFA, and the Darke County Fair, and plans to follow her passion to college where she will study agricultural communications and agribusiness. During high school, Carrie has excelled in public speaking competitions and advanced English courses. Carrie’s English teacher says, “She is an excellent student with lots of energy and ambition, and I have no doubt that her academic and personal goals will be achieved.”