The Future Is Bright!

Congratulations CLASS OF 2026

Anne Twaddle
$2,500
  • Daughter of George and Denise Twaddle of Marysville.
  • School: Marysville Early College High School
  • Plans to attend: Ohio State University
  • Major: Mechanical engineering with a minor in biology
  • Reference: “Anne is a true
    go-getter — focused, driven, and forward-thinking. She possesses a
    natural leadership ability that cannot be taught, paired with humility and
    respect for those around her. I have no doubt that she will continue to grow into a strong, positive influence wherever her path leads.”
Keilana Ferguson
$1,500
  • Daughter of Adool and Norlyn Ferguson of Marysville.
  • School: Marysville High School
  • Plans to attend: Kent State University or Indiana University Bloomington
  • Major: Marketing
  • Reference: “Keilana has demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for learning. Her ability to engage critically with complex topics and push herself has set her apart from her peers. She consistently seeks out additional resources to deepen her understanding, showcasing not only a commitment to academic excellence but also a desire to challenge herself, not just succeeding, but truly developing a deep understanding of material.”
Anne Twaddle
$1,000
  • Daughter of Eric and Amanda Anderson of Plain City, and Ryan Bailey of Dublin.
  • School: Dublin Coffman High School
  • Plans to attend: Miami University
  • Major: Special Education
  • Reference: “Mckenna has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others, particularly in her volunteer work. A standout aspect of Mckenna’s character is her ole as a Morgan’s Message Ambassador, where she advocates for mental health awareness among athletes. Leading this initiative at Coffman High School, she has proven her ability to address critical issues affecting her peers and create a supportive dialogue around mental health.”

The URE scholarship program sought out the best of the best among area high school seniors. URE offers college scholarships for high school seniors who receive electric or natural gas service from URE.

All candidates this year had outstanding academic records as well as heavy involvement in their community and school activities. These finalists also had to demonstrate verbal communication skills and knowledge of the electric cooperative system in a panel interview.

URE’s first-place winner, Anne Twaddle, competed against representatives from each of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives in a contest for additional scholarship awards. Statewide winners will be announced next month.

In 2021, URE added a new scholarship opportunity for high school seniors planning to continue their education at either a community college or technical school. As area schools have increased programming and curriculum focusing on career readiness, STEM, and other academic programs in high-demand employment fields, we wanted to ensure our scholarship programs keep pace with the pathways today’s students are exploring.

TWO-YEAR PATH SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Heath Ferguson
$1,500
  • Son of Steve and April Ferguson of West Mansfield.
  • School: North Union High School
  • Plans to attend: Columbus State Community College
  • Major: Medical Imaging
  • Reference: “I have been impressed with Heath’s curiosity, his positive attitude, and his strong communication skills. Heath is a young man with the diligence and ability to be successful in his chosen field of X-ray technician. Additionally, I have always found Heath to be prepared and ready for whatever class has in store; this positive demeanor makes him a valuable member of any class and group.”
Courtney Hart
$1,000
  • Daughter of David and Jessica Hart of East Liberty.
  • School: Benjamin Logan High School
  • Plans to attend: Rhodes State College
  • Major: Nursing
  • Reference: “Courtney is a top performer in the class, but more than that, she is always willing to help others reach their maximum potential as well. She is caring, compassionate, and has an outgoing personality that seems to instill confidence and courage in others. Courtney is a well-rounded student, employee, and friend. To say I appreciate her humble ambition, energetic commitment, and motivated determination would be an understatement.”
Nathan Jones
$500
  • Son of Kyle and Jennifer Jones of Richwood.
  • School: North Union High School
  • Plans to attend: Ohio State ATI
  • Major: Hydraulic & Power Engineering
  • Reference: “Nate has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic that has set him apart from his peers. He approaches every task, whether routine maintenance, complex troubleshooting, or long term project work, with remarkable focus and personal ownership. He frequently goes above and beyond regular expectations and consistently takes on leadership roles on group projects.”