York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Education

Celebrating teachers

YEC awards grants to local teachers for their bright ideas

York Electric Cooperative was proud to award a total of $14,500 to support projects submitted by 17 teachers from Clover, Fort Mill, Rock Hill and York in 2022. Teachers were awarded up to $1,000 to implement innovative learning techniques in their classrooms through the Bright Ideas Grant Program funded by York Electric and our member-funded Operation Round Up Trust.

Bright IdeasA committee consisting of three Operation Round Up board members, one winner from last year’s Bright Ideas program, Dr. Anne R. Witte, and two York Electric Cooperative employees reviewed the teacher applications. Grants were awarded to projects that will create new ways to make learning fun and memorable for students.

Help us celebrate their bright ideas and commitment to our students by congratulating them on a job well done!

Grants are available to all kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers in York Electric’s service territory. If you are a local teacher interested in applying for the Bright Ideas Grant Opportunity for the 2023/2024 school year, the online application will be open beginning July 10, 2023.

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Ms. Nivens with mural in background
Sarah Nivens, Cotton Belt Elementary School, York

Sarah Nivens, Cotton Belt Elementary School, York

Project: “Robotics Kits for STEAM Club.”

“I want to give my students various experiences while they are young so that they see what kinds of things they can do out in the ‘real world.’ I want my students to find STEAM topics interesting and fun. The goal of these robots is for my students to learn to build and code their robot to move in a specific way.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Young in her classroom
Michelle Young, Bethel Elementary School, Clover

Michelle Young, Bethel Elementary School, Clover

Project: “Springs of Learning.” Project will provide 5th-grade students ongoing STEAM learning support.

“Our goals are to implement STEAM-based learning to strengthen inquiry and collaboration across grade levels. We also want to integrate multiple grade level standards including design solutions, data analysis and testing.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Mr. McSwain outdoors with tree in the background
Taylor McSwain, Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School, York

Taylor McSwain, Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School, York

Project: “HGSES Fitness Club”

“The #1 goal of the Fitness Club is to create healthy habits for my students. I want these students to get into the routine of exercising each day in hopes they will continue those habits later in life. Other goals for this club are to help students become healthier right now, and to become better athletes.”

Photo credit: Emma Anne Mobley

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Mss. Hunter on the left on her webcam with her team in a separate photo on the right in front of a poster
Stacey Hunter, and her team, Verla Mayfield-Benjamin (left) and Lori Patrick, Rawlinson Road Middle School, Rock Hill

Stacey Hunter, and her team, Verla Mayfield-Benjamin (left) and Lori Patrick, Rawlinson Road Middle School, Rock Hill.

Project: “Sensory Support” for 6th to 8th grade students in the Autistic Program.

“My goal teaching those with autism is to help them develop and learn sensory strategies and how to process sensory information. Some students might be sensitive to sensory inputs and find it difficult to stay calm and focused. Others might need more sensory inputs to understand the sensation. My overall goal is for them to become independent and learn how to self-advocate for themselves on what they need.”

Photo credit: Stacey Hunter

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Mr. Boyd in his York Fire Department uniform with a red truck behind him
Scott Boyd, Clover High School, Clover

Scott Boyd, Clover High School, Clover

Project: “Smoke and Fog Machine”

“This will help prepare students interested in Fire Science prepare for their state testing and give them first-hand experience in what it is like to be in a hazardous environment.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Erb in the classroom
Ashleigh Erb, York Intermediate School, York

Ashleigh Erb, York Intermediate School, York

Project: “Amazing Me…in 3D,” supporting STEM learning for special education students in 5th and 6th grade.

“I would like to give these students an opportunity to learn and take advantage of rapidly changing technology. More often than not, this population of students does not have access to opportunities to engage with higher-level thinking outside the classroom and even in the classroom because resources are very limited given school budgets. I would like to give these special pens as an accessible means to explore and learn how 3D technologies work and impact our daily lives.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Hardy in a play space with children in the background
Jessica Hardy, Kings Town Elementary School, Fort Mill

Jessica Hardy, Kings Town Elementary School, Fort Mill

Project: “First Tee Golf Unit,” supporting social emotional learning from kindergarten to 5th grade. Hardy supports her project through research that shows how the game of golf provides “life skills that coincide with the sport.”

“Implementing golf into our physical education curriculum brings exposure to the game and the skills involved that many students might not get to experience otherwise. The First Tee curriculum centers around the game of golf but also brings social and emotional learning into each lesson. Life-long skills and character behaviors are also taught in each lesson such as respect, responsibility, and confidence. We look forward to teaching golf to our Kings Town Elementary students.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. McCorkle in her classroom wearing a microphone
Vickie McCorkle, Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School, York

Vickie McCorkle, Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School, York

Project: “Note Reading Can Be Fun.” Introduces students from kindergarten to 6th grade to music.

“Most students look forward to making music in many ways. I plan to offer as many hands-on experiences to my students as possible. After students learn the basics of note reading, it is important that they use a variety of instruments to apply what they have learned. A good foundation in music is so important and helping students to understand ‘why” they are learning this skill is sometimes challenging. In the future, I hope that my students will be able to share what they have learned with our school and community.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Mitchell in the school library
Tracy Mitchell, Griggs Road Elementary School, Clover

Tracy Mitchell, Griggs Road Elementary School, Clover

Project: “Innovative Creativity with Legos.” Project will create a makerspace in the school’s media center.

“In this space, students will learn through inquiry-based play that focuses on literacy and content curriculum. This will provide equal access and opportunities for all students by providing the needed materials for projects inspired through mentor texts. Students are often hesitant to take risks while learning at school because of fear of failure and the possibility of receiving a poor grade. A makerspace area provides students with the opportunity to be risk-takers in their education. A place to think outside the box without fear of failure that results in a negative impact on their grades.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Carpenter with classroom in the background
Angela Carpenter, Clover Middle School, Clover

Angela Carpenter, Clover Middle School, Clover

Project: “Blue Eagle School Tools”

“Given the appropriate support, students with significant disabilities will develop academic and social skills related to a work environment. Students will gain the background knowledge and skills to move forward to gainful employment in the community after leaving the school setting.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Ms. Byrum in the school hallway
Molly Byrum, Jefferson Elementary School, York

Molly Byrum, Jefferson Elementary School, York

Project: “Classroom Transformations”

“Transforming classrooms into an engaging environment for students will help students have an enjoyable experience at school with learning that is fun and memorable.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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DeEtte Mann, York Intermediate School, York

DeEtte Mann in the school hallway
DeEtte Mann, York Intermediate School, York

Project: “Sensational Science STEAM Stations.” Project will impact more than 350 5th-grade students.

“My goal for this project is to have students gain a deeper understanding of science concepts through hands-on learning opportunities, engage students in fun, interactive activities and inspire students to think creatively. By using these stations as a means of assessment, our goal is to have a higher percentage of students understand and have future interest in the content.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Michelle Hubbard, Clover Middle School, Clover

Ms. Hubbard in her classroom with students behind her
Michelle Hubbard, Clover Middle School, Clover

Project: “Today’s Weather—Live from Clover Middle School.” Students in 6th grade will learn about weather first-hand with an installed weather station at their school.

“Installing a weather station at our middle school, as well as using other hands-on weather tools, will help our students be able to learn across several subject matters including Science, Language Arts and Math. Students will be able to access the information and take readings from our weather station to use to track changes and predict the weather, with a year-end goal to calculate our area’s average climate.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Susan Rodriguez, York One Academy, York

Ms. Rodriguez in her classroom
Susan Rodriguez, York One Academy, York

Project: “Coding for Middle School Students”

“The goal of coding for students is to help them to think critically, reason systemically, and work collaboratively. Coding also encourages creativity. The creativity developed allows them to create optimal programs and is a pathway to possessing many other entrepreneurial skills. Even if students do not pursue coding as a career, they will enter their chosen careers with the ability to create efficient processes, solve complex problems logically and work effectively in teams.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

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Rita Woodley, Cotton Belt Elementary School, York

Ms. Woodley in the school hallway
Rita Woodley, Cotton Belt Elementary School, York

Project: “Bringing Science to Life.” Project will help 3rd-grade students as they learn science and social studies.

“My project goals are for students to have more hands-on experiences with our new science standards. Tying our learning to real-world situations shows the purpose behind learning in school. Lastly, this project will help build social and teamwork skills, and promote independent learning.”

Photo credit: Erin Powell

Highlighting young talent, learning with art

Thinking creatively is an important part of learning communication skills, expression and strategizing for the best outcome. At York Electric, we’re proud to support education and the bright futures of our youngest members. Show us your creativity, best design and brightest colors to help YEC celebrate our community and share the cooperative difference.

QR code
Scan the QR code above to learn more about each competition and the prizes.

Visit yorkelectric.net/learn-with-art or scan the code to learn more about each competition and the prizes. All entries are due by Friday, April 7, 2023.

Lineworkers Gear Up for Safety Coloring Contest for ages 6–7

This will be our 10th year sharing the importance of electrical safety with our youngest members through our coloring contest. Judged by our Lineworkers’ Rodeo Team, the winner receives $50!

Co-op Magnet Design Challenge for ages 11–14

One of the 7 Cooperative Principals is Concern for Community, which is why empowering and improving the communities we serve remains a top of mind at YEC. Illustrate a bumper magnet that showcases this important message for a chance to win $100 and have your design on YEC’s fleet for one year.

Cooperative Principles Art Competition for ages 15–18

Build your resume while helping your co-op showcase the cooperative difference. Using any medium of your choosing, create a work of art that communicates one of the 7 Cooperative Principles and have your work displayed at our main office for an entire year. The winner will be recognized in our magazine and win a $300 cash prize.

York teen wins podcast challenge

Photo: Natalia Salas works on her winning podcast during the Cooperative Youth Summit.
Natalia Salas works on her winning podcast during the Cooperative Youth Summit. Photo by Erin Powell

by Josh Crotzer

Natalia Salas of York, a student at Westminster Catawba Christian School, was one of three students to win a $5,000 scholarship in an audio podcast competition sponsored by South Carolina’s electric cooperatives.

Salas, along with Abigail Crumley of Berkeley and Emma Rose Radcliff of Santee, created an 8-minute audio essay about how young people can impact their local communities in a turbulent time. The group interviewed other youth from across the state who are making a difference in their hometowns.

“As we observed these young women, we have answered the question of how youth can impact their communities,” says Salas.

Their winning podcast was selected by a panel of journalists that included Avery Wilks of The Post and Courier newspaper, Kenneth Moton of ABC News and Dawndy Mercer Plank of WIS News. Each member of the winning team received $5,000 scholarships.

A total of 37 high school students from across South Carolina competed in the challenge after having been selected by their local cooperative to participate in the Cooperative Youth Summit, a four-day leadership experience that offers students the chance to learn more about state government and electric cooperatives. Salas’s participation in the Cooperative Youth Summit was sponsored by York Electric Cooperative.

All of the students’ podcasts are available online.

A summer to remember

Youth Summit students pictured in front of the SC State House
The visit to the State House was one of the highlights of the Cooperative Youth Summit for (from left) Natalia Salas, Trevor Castro, Andy Goss, and Landon Davis. Photo by Erin Powell.

It was quite a summer for four local high school students, thanks to York Electric Cooperative. Natalia Salas, Trevor Castro, Andy Goss, and Landon Davis took part in the Cooperative Youth Summit, a four-day journey of their state’s capital and the surrounding area that went beyond the traditional field trip.

Salas, Castro, Goss, and Davis joined 33 other high school students sponsored by South Carolina electric cooperatives on the unique experience. The students started their own cooperative, produced their own podcasts, and learned how government works.

The students visited Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, explored electric vehicles, and toured the State House, culminating with a visit inside the Governor’s office. The students also learned about legislative advocacy from S.C. state Rep. Kirkman Finlay and John Frick, vice president of government affairs for The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. Frick, referencing a quote from Benjamin Franklin, reminded the students that it will be up to them to “keep the republic.”

“That really helped put into perspective that we have to do something,” says Salas, a student at Westminster Catawba Christian School. “If we want things to change, we can’t just rely on the adults.”

The students also visited Newberry Electric Cooperative, where they heard stories of outages and saw the dangers of electricity. They were also lifted in the bucket of a boom truck.

“Providing electricity is difficult,” says Davis, a student at Fort Mill High School. “A lot of things can go wrong, but they have it under control.”

Cooperative Youth Summit students also had the unique opportunity to produce podcasts addressing the question, “Given the turbulence in our nation and around the globe, how can young people impact their local communities?” The students’ podcasts are available to listen to on our website.

YEC youth education, contests, and summer safety

Bright Ideas students are pictured

Applications now open for YEC’s Bright Ideas Grants for local teachers. For the fourth year, York Electric Cooperative and Operation Round Up will fund grants for local teachers. Applicants can win up to $1,000 to help pay for innovative learning methods and materials to support students in their classrooms.

Learn more and apply online at our Bright Ideas Grant page. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Sept 14.

2022 magnet contest winner is pictured
Rachel Eckert, local artist and winner of YEC’s 2022 Co-op Magnet Design Challenge, stands proudly with her magnet design. Eckert’s artwork will be displayed on YEC’s trucks for an entire year. Photo by Erin Powell

YEC trucks display student art

For an entire year, 8th grader Rachel Eckert of Fort Mill will have her artwork shown on each of YEC’s trucks. Eckert’s depiction of “The Power of Community” is now prominently displayed as a bumper sticker on each of the co-op’s vehicles.

Eckert, a student at Gold Hill Middle School in Fort Mill, won YEC’s second annual Co-op Magnet Design Challenge for middle school students ages 11–14. Young artist Eckert enjoys thinking creatively and making art in her free time.

“I’d like to be an artist or a doctor someday,” she shares. As this year’s winner, Eckert received $50 and the chance to have her art shown on all YEC vehicles until June 2023. Be sure to keep an eye out in the community for her artwork!

Want to participate next year? Learn more at our magnet contest page.

Creative young minds

A smiling Jordyn Hart at the wheel of a YEC utility truck with lineman John Elliott in the passenger seat.
First grader Jordyn Hart won the Lineman Gear Up for Safety Coloring Contest! Jordyn celebrates her win by wearing her signed YEC hardhat and accompanying lineman John Elliott in his truck. Photo by Erin Powell

Local artist colors for safety

The winner of YEC’s 2022 Linemen Gear Up for Safety Coloring Contest is Jordyn Hart of Fort Mill. Daughter of Lindsey and Joe Hart, the first grader loves to color and draw.

“She was just so excited to participate and couldn’t wait to hear who won,” Hart’s mom shares. As part of her prize package, Hart received $50 and a YEC hardhat, signed by our local lineworker heroes here at the co-op. She also got a tour of our grounds and line trucks!

Learn how to participate in next year’s Lineman Gear Up for Safety Coloring Contest.

Kids, play it safe this summer

Look for electrical hazards while you’re having fun in the sun

Green transformer box is pictured
Don’t sit on me!

YEC is always looking out for its members, including our youngest. Kids, while you’re having fun in the sun, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

  • See a big green box? That green box might look fun to climb up and sit on, but it’s actually a transformer, just like the ones you see on overhead poles, supplying underground power to homes and businesses. The box and wiring are designed to protect you from the dangerous electricity inside; it’s not a toy. Our lineworkers wear special protective gear to work on these boxes, called padmount transformers. Beware and stay clear.
  • If you see a green box that is open or appears to be damaged, please tell an adult, and be sure to stay away.
  • If you are a tree climber, you might be at eye level with some of our power lines, or you might even see a branch touching the line. Lines like these carry large amounts of electricity that could fatally harm you. Pick another tree and never touch an electrical line!
  • Flying a kite is fun in the summertime but beware of overhead power lines. Check your surroundings before you unwind and send your kite up in the wind.
  • While the grass is green and the sun is shining, many families work in the yard or install a fence. A family member should always call before digging in the yard. Simply dial 811 to connect to PUPS, a free service to locate all underground utility services. Be cautious of underground lines that could harm you if struck by your shovel.

And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Every member, every time: YEC members share their experiences with their co-op

York Electric Cooperative is proud to serve a diverse membership across the communities in York, Chester, Cherokee and Lancaster counties. When we first were formed in 1941, YEC brought affordable power to farmers and members living in the rural parts of our local areas. Eighty-one years later, your co-op now serves a wide array of members with varying energy needs. From small families and young students to local businesses and large industries, York Electric continues to look out for all members big or small. Every member. Every time.

Smiling family of four outdoors.
Todd Wright and family Photo Credit: Erin Powell

Your trusted energy advisor

YEC has served the Wright family in Fort Mill since 2008. During this time, they have grown to understand and appreciate the cooperative difference. Describing his family’s experience with the co-op, Todd Wright shares, “Since becoming a member of YEC, I cannot imagine going back to another way of doing business with a for-profit utility that raises rates all the time and has to pay dividends to shareholders.”

In addition to being grateful for receiving Capital Credits as a member, Wright explains he really values the concern we show for our members’ best interests. As an electric vehicle owner and participant in solar energy efforts, Wright says, “I’ve consulted YEC’s Energy Services Representative, Brent Clinton, for advice a lot over the years. It is so refreshing to have someone actually on my side and to not have to listen to another sales pitch when I need guidance.”

As your trusted energy advisor, YEC is your source for power and information to help you make the right decisions for you and your family.

Mr. Wilkerson at work.
Kevin Wilkerson Photo Credit: Erin Powell

The power of human connections

Building connections and enriching the lives in our communities are values shared by York Electric and local gourmet popcorn business Poppin’ Sweets. Owner Melanie Powell and Store Operator Kevin Wilkerson (pictured) have been on YEC’s lines since 2020 and have been forming relationships through their delicious treats ever since. Powell shares, “Many of the families and customers that visit our store often have existing connections with our Treat Team staff, and we enjoy being able to spread those connections and family culture to everyone around us.”

York Electric is proud to offer local businesses like Poppin’ Sweets the safe, reliable and affordable electricity they need to continue reaching others and running a successful operation.

Ms. Tedford standing in front of a water fountain.
Cate Tedford Photo Credit: Cate Tedford

A focus on education

As your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, York Electric firmly believes our educational efforts can have a far-reaching effect not only for the individuals we help but for the community at large. We first saw the potential in member Cate Tedford when she attended our Washington Youth Tour in 2018.

During her experience on our six-day trip to the nation’s capital, Tedford rose to lead her fellow co-op delegates and learn about the cooperative business model by participating in our Soda-Pop Co-op simulation. A year later, YEC recognized Tedford’s continued dedication and we awarded her a $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship, representing Nation Ford High School. Using the scholarship funds from YEC and leadership experience gained on our Washington Youth Tour, Tedford went on to study Spanish and Philosophy with an emphasis in Law, Liberty, and Justice at Clemson University’s Honors College.

Tedford shares, “I am so grateful for YEC’s role in preparing me for my future and for supporting my goals of higher education.” Tedford is currently studying abroad at the University of Alicante on the Southeast coast of Spain and plans to attend law school after graduation.

YEC continues to assist students like Tedford in their higher education and personal development goals each year through our educational trips and scholarship opportunities.

Mr. Beaty at his desk.
Dave Beaty Photo Credit: Erin Powell

Industry and economic development

Elkem Silicones is located in YEC’s East York Industrial Park and has been providing local jobs and helping hold down power costs for members for over a decade. As one of York Electric’s largest member accounts, Elkem Silicones plays a significant role in the rates we provide for all members. Industries like Elkem Silicones use power in consistent amounts and during off-peak times and serve as an example of why YEC invests in economic development in our area. These qualities enable us to purchase power at a lower cost, which in turn, allows us to pass on the savings to the rest of our membership and provide quality jobs for our local members.

After a 37-year career of serving as an operations director for Elkem Silicones and predecessor companies, Dave Beaty is entering retirement next month. As Beaty reflects on his time with Elkem Silicones and on his relationship with YEC, he shares, “York Electric has always been very informative and open for collaboration. We’ve benefitted greatly from YEC’s energy-saving efforts, such as changing our security lights to LEDs, as well as from incentives to assist in capacity expansion.”

Here at YEC, we ensure lines of communication are always open and assistance remains available for all our members, no matter their size.

YEC would like to congratulate Beaty on his successful career, wish him the best in retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. Smith standing next to a shredding truck.
Herb Smith Photo Credit: Erin Powell

Affordable, reliable service

Herb Smith has been a member of YEC for nearly 25 years. Since moving to Rock Hill in 1997, Smith has enjoyed being a co-op member for our affordable rates, reliable power and our community outreach. Smith explains, “When I lived in New England, my power cost more than double what it currently does, and power outages were frequent. Since becoming a member of YEC, I have thoroughly appreciated the affordability and consistency York Electric offers.”

Smith has also taken advantage of YEC’s community events, like our Annual Member Appreciation Shred Day. “I attend YEC’s Member Appreciation Shred Day event each year and have never missed one,” Smith says. “I look forward to mingling with other members as well as YEC employees at this event and appreciate the co-op offering an easy, secure solution for my personal document shredding needs.”

Concern for community is an important part of YEC, and we value the opportunity to provide members a co-op they can always rely on.

Opportunity Awaits

High school seniors, apply now for valuable scholarships! As your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, York Electric firmly believes our educational efforts can have a far-reaching effect not only for the individuals we help but for the community at large. We believe educational outreach is one of the most important things we can offer.

Touchstone Energy Scholarship

Each year, YEC awards 12 $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarships to graduating seniors at each area high school.

  • To apply, you must be a high school senior and a member of YEC.
  • With your application, submit an essay on how businesses can better connect with younger generations. Whether it’s through an online platform or by giving back, we want to hear your ideas.
Touchstone Scholarship Application

 

Technical Advantage Scholarship

YEC awards one $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship to a graduating senior attending York Technical College in the fall, and one $500 Work-Based Learning Scholarship to a senior participant at the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center.

  • To apply, you must be a graduating high school senior planning to attend a technical college to study a trade.
  • With your application, submit an essay on Ready SC: The Importance of a Ready Workforce. Write about the Ready SC Initiative and describe the importance of a ready workforce.
Tech Advantage Scholarship Application

Deadline to apply: Friday, March 19, 2022