Scholarships

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!