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Scholarships

February 3, 2023

Calling all students!

Exciting trip, scholarship and art contest opportunities are available for local students of all ages! Learn more and apply now by scanning the codes below. 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.

Youth Tour QR codeWashington Youth Tour, Cooperative Youth Summit Application

Apply by February 24, 2023
QR code for senior scholarshipsScholarships for seniors
Apply by March 25, 2023
QR art competition codeArt competitions
Apply by April 7, 2023

October 3, 2022

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.

September 7, 2022

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.

August 1, 2022

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!

August 1, 2022

2022 Scholarship Recipients and Youth Tour Wrap-Up

Every year, YEC awards 10 $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarships to graduating seniors at each area high school. To apply, students must be served by the Cooperative. YEC also 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.

$1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarships

Sarah TaylorCatawba Ridge High School

Sarah Taylor
Parents: Kimberly and Marvin Taylor
College: North Greenville University
Field of Study: Education

Dylan TaylorClover High School

Dylan Taylor
Parents: Melissa and Rodger Taylor
College: Clemson University
Field of Study: Marketing and Sports Education

Dorothy AugenbraunFort Mill High School

Dorothy Augenbraun
Parents: Kimberly and Craig Augenbraun
College: Clemson University
Field of Study: Engineering

Bella SikorskiIndian Land High School

Bella Sikorski
Parents: Wendy and Jay Sikorski
College: Clemson University
Field of Study: Animal and Veterinary Science

Megan AndrewsNation Ford High School

Megan Andrews
Parents: Allison and Harold Andrews
College: Mississippi State University
Field of Study: Architecture

Andrew Beuch, Jr.Rock Hill High School

Andrew Beuch, Jr.
Parents: Elizabeth and Andrew Beuch, Sr.
College: Clemson University
Field of Study: Business Management

Jacob BellSouth Pointe High School

Jacob Bell
Parents: Erika and David Bell
College: Clemson University
Field of StudyWildlife and Fisheries Biology

York Comprehensive High SchoolLaney Reel

Laney Reel
Parents: Leslie and Aaron Reel
College: University of South Carolina
Field of Study: Dance Education in the Honors College

York Preparatory AcademyLeah Watson

Leah Watson 
Parents: Amy and Christopher Watson
College: College of Charleston
Field of Study: Biology

Legion Collegiate AcademyAlexis Good

Alexis Goode
Parents: Christy and Eric Goode
College: University of South Carolina
Field of Study: Marketing and Visual Communications

Luka MilojkovicHomeschool

Luka Milojkovic
Parents: Mirjana and Borislav Milojkovic
College: Anderson University
Field of Study: Biochemistry

Jacob Clark$1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship

Jacob Clark, Rock Hill High School
Parents: Jennifer Lusk and Chuck Clark
College: York Technical College
Field of Study: Business

Kenneth Griffin$500 Work-Based Learning Scholarship

Kenneth Griffin, York Comprehensive High School
Parents: Alice and Kenneth Griffin, Jr.
College: University of South Carolina
Field of Study: Criminal Justice

 


Local teens experience leadership on Youth Tour

Brown named manager of Soda Pop Co-op

For students drawn toward leadership, Washington Youth Tour is the ideal experience.

Thanks to York Electric Cooperative, Jordan Brown, Landon Wolf, and Alaina Rinkes were among 49 South Carolina high school students sent by their electric cooperatives to Washington, D.C. in June. The experience went beyond a traditional school field trip. In addition to visiting the city’s monuments and memorials, the students started their own co-op and met with legislators and their staffs.

Brown, a rising senior at Fort Mill High School, was named the manager of the Soda Pop Co-op. Throughout the trip the co-op sold snacks and beverages to the students from the luggage bin of their charter bus between destinations and at the hotel in the evenings. Brown, who was hired by the co-op’s five student board members after an interview process, kept the “store” stocked and determined the hours of operation.

“I learned a little bit more about how to run a business,” says Brown. “I always thought I could, but it’s a little harder than you think it is to run a successful business. And I got to learn about the co-op model, which is very important.”

During their visit to the United States Capitol building, Brown, Wolf, and Rinkes were welcomed into Rep. Ralph Norman’s congressional office and met the Congressman on the Capitol steps later that day. For Wolf, it was an additional opportunity to thank Rep. Norman, who wrote a recommendation letter on his behalf to the U.S. Military Academy. Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Lindsey Graham also came to the Capitol steps to speak with the students.

“It was really nice just to meet them and hear what they have to say,” says Wolf, who will be attending West Point this fall. “And to see what they’re doing right now to help our country.”

The students also visited the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They toured Arlington National Cemetery and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“During the changing of the guard it was a little rough because my grandpa had just died and he was in the Vietnam War,” says Rinkes, a student at Clover High School. “It gave me time to process, but also to appreciate our veterans more.”

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Washington Youth Tour 2022 is the first time in three years South Carolina electric cooperatives have been able to send students to the capital.

“This was a wonderful experience,” says Rinkes. “It’s literally life-changing.”

Youth Tour 2022 participants are pictured
Youth Tour participant pictured at the Vietnam War Memorial
Youth Tour participants are pictured in Washington, DC
Youth Tour participants are pictured in Washington, DC
Related Topics:
Scholarships

February 1, 2022

Opportunities await: Upcoming deadlines for scholarships, trips for high school students

York Electric offers high school students an exciting opportunity to learn more about our national and state governments through the Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit. YEC also awards valuable college scholarships to high school seniors. Students should apply by the deadlines listed below.

Youth Tour, Summit

Application deadline: Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

Electric Cooperative Youth Tour and SummitDuring the Washington Youth Tour, high school juniors will experience Washington, D.C., with hundreds of students from across South Carolina and the country, meeting lawmakers and touring all the sights. Your electric co-op will cover your round-trip plane ticket, tours and meals.

The Cooperative Youth Summit allows students to experience South Carolina’s capital like never before. Tour the Statehouse, meet lawmakers and see how co-ops are preparing for our state’s energy future. Plus, there’s plenty of fun with visits to popular Columbia attractions like Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Your electric co-op will cover all your expenses.

Apply OnlineApply here for either of these amazing, free experiences!

 

Group photo of Youth Tour participants at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Take a look at history—and help make it! Over 70 students from across South Carolina joined thousands from across the country on the 50th anniversary of the Washington Youth Tour.

Scholarships

Application deadline: Saturday, March 26

Graduation cap sitting on stacks of cash.YEC will award one $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship to a graduating senior at each of our 12 area high schools. 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.

YEC will also award one $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship to a graduating senior attending York Technical College in the fall. To apply, you must be a graduating high school senior planning to study a trade and, with your application, submit an essay on the Ready SC Initiative in South Carolina.

Learn more about these scholarships and apply


Lines tell the story

New high school art competition to highlight cooperative principles

Over 80 years ago, new electric lines told the story of hope and prosperity in the rural areas of York, Chester, Cherokee and Lancaster counties.

Digital art representation of a rural utility pole and line.
Co-ops care about more than power lines; we care about creatively telling our story! Calling all high school artists for participation in our first high school art competition. Erin Powell

York Electric Cooperative was formed to bring power to families, homes and businesses in these rural areas, lighting the way for new beginnings. Like other co-ops that were started across the nation after the Rural Electrification Act was passed, YEC was created on the same seven principles that we still uphold in our business today:

  • Open and voluntary membership
  • Democratic member control
  • Members’ economic participation
  • Autonomy and independence
  • Education, training and information
  • Cooperation among cooperatives
  • Concern for community

Through our first high school art competition, YEC challenges high school students ages 15–18 to let their creative lines tell the story of one or more of our founding 7 Cooperative Principles.

Students, using any medium of your choosing, create an original work of art that communicates our principles. You may win $100 and have your work displayed in our main office for an entire year.

All entries are due before Friday, April 8, 2022. Please review the guidelines and rules for the competition and to complete the submission form that will accompany your work.

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