As one of the seven Cooperative principles, "Concern for Community", is demonstrated by Pella Cooperative Electric with its belief in empowering our youth. One of the ways the co-op adheres to this principle is through a $1,000 scholarship in each school district within the co-op's service territory.
These school districts include Grinnell, Knoxville, Lynnville-Sully, Newton, North Mahaksa, PCM, Pella Christian, Pella High, Pleasantville, Twin Cedars, and a homeschool student in any of the districts.
"We believe in investing in future leaders in our communities which is why we award up to $11,000 in scholarships every year to graduating seniors," said Doug Stewart, Pella Cooperative Electric CEO. "We want to thank all the seniors who applied to our scholarship program and congratulate the class of 2023."
This year, Pella Cooperative Electric awarded four $1,000 scholarships to outstanding local high school seniors. Get to know these talented students.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
Alyssa Bassett, daughter of Kara Warrick, was the winner of the $1,000 scholarship for the Lynnville-Sully School District. Bassett will be attending Iowa State University to study ag-undecided.
The recipient of the $1,000 scholarship for the Pella High School District was Aidan Van Maanen, son of Matt & Michelle Van Maanen. He will be attending Iowa State University to study electrical engineering.
The winner of the $1,000 scholarship for the Pella Christian High School was Elizabeth Vink, daughter of Chad & Jana Vink. She will be attending Dordt University to cheer for the Defenders and plans to study biology and enter the pre-med program.
Jonah Schumacher, son of Ryan & Renae Schumacher, received the $1,000 scholarship for the Pleasantville High School District. He will be attending DMACC studying agribusiness with plans to transfer to Iowa State University to major in animal science.
To be eligible for the PCEA scholarship, students must be a high school senior, carry a minimum 3.0 grade point average, must reside in the co-ops service territory, and answer the question: Why are electric cooperatives important? Scholarship recipients are reviewed and selected by the co-op and through the Pella Dollars for Scholars program.