Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative awards scholarships
Each year, Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative awards scholarships to area students whose parents or guardians are members of the co-op. This year, the board of directors voted to approve 10 $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to graduating high school seniors and college students.
Providing these scholarships exemplifies Heart of Texas EC’s dedication to two of its guiding principles - Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information.
Congratulations to Caleb Cook, Jaylea Elkins, Ciara Loring, Ashley Mercado, Abby Oakley, Gabriel Ramthun, Marissa Smith, Greyson Snydal, Noah Wall, and Allison Willoughby.
Cook is the son of Heather and Bobby Cook. He enjoys basketball, hiking and working out. He has volunteered with Keep Temple Beautiful foundation and Ronald McDonald House. He is pursuing a career in sports management or law at Texas A&M University.
Elkins is the daughter of Tracey and Abney Elkins. She participates in sports and cheerleading and is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, and FFA. She enjoys hiking, running, swimming and art. She plans to attend University of Mary Hardin Baylor to pursue a career in neonatal nursing.
Loring is the daughter of Pebble and Donald Loring. She is mentor with Partners in Learning Success and a member of Student Council and National Honors Society. She also participates in softball, cheer, volleyball, and power lifting. She plans to attend Texas Tech and major in kinesiology and pursuing a nursing degree.
Mercado is the daughter of Melchor and Dalia Mercado. She is a member of the MHS Dance team, Student Council, Interact Club and One Act Play crew. She is also on the Let’s Dance McGregor and the MHS Golden Flames dance teams. She volunteers with Operation Christmas Child and the elderly, helped redesign a playground and painted fire hydrants in McGregor. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing.
Oakley is the daughter of Lon and Karen Oakley. She is a member of National Honor Society, Cougars For Change Club, Student Council and varsity tennis. She enjoys tennis, skiing, hiking, travel, painting and arts and crafts. She coaches tennis for beginners at Waco Regional Tennis Academy and is a mentor with Partners in Learning Success. She plans to attend University of Mary Hardin Baylor and specialize in sports rehabilitation therapy for athletes.
Ramthun is the son of Ricky and Jocelyn Ramthun. He is a Texas 4-H Water Ambassador and Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Thorndale FFA, and One Act Play cast. He also participates in UIL, area livestock shows, band, golf, powerlifting, and enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and swimming. He plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in plant and environmental soil science.
Smith is the daughter of Keith and Lucinda Smith. She is a member of the National FFA, Brushy Creek District officer, and Rogers FFA Chapter officer. She has participated in dance competitions with Lisa’s Dance Connection where she placed third in nationals. She also participates in livestock shows. She plans to attend Texas Tech University or Oklahoma State University to pursue her hopes of becoming an agriculture science teacher.
Snydal is the son of Greg and Danielle Snydal. He is a member of the China Spring Volunteer Fire Department, is a student mentor with Partners in Learning Success, and a community blood donor. He served as captain of the football team and received numerous athletic awards. He competes in area livestock shows and ag mechanic. He is enrolled in Iowa Wesleyan University where he received a partial football scholarship. He plans to pursue a business degree.
Wall is the son of Stacey and Michael Wall. He is a member of National Honor Society, FCCLA, and Feeders of the Lambs. He plans to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
Willoughby is the daughter of Crystal Willoughby. She is active in FFA, 4-H, student council and participates in the livestock shows. She plans to attend Sam Houston State University to pursue a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.