Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) proudly announced the names of 14 outstanding students who have been awarded academic scholarships for their exceptional achievements and one individual honored with the co-op's lineman college scholarship. The scholarships, aimed at supporting higher education opportunities, were granted to deserving individuals whose parent or guardian are members of UEC.
The cooperative, known for its commitment to community development and educational advancement, established these scholarships to recognize and encourage academic excellence among local students. The recipients were selected based on their exemplary academic records, leadership skills, community involvement, and their potential to make positive contributions to society.
The 14 academic scholarship recipients from UEC's service territory are as follows:
Caren Cardenas, a 2023 graduate of Irrigon High School, will attend Oregon State University to study civil engineering.
Lillian Wallis, a 2023 graduate of Echo will attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. studying forensic science to become a crime scene investigator.
Josie Goodrich, a 2020 Hermiston High School graduate, is majoring in criminal justice and multimedia journalism at Washington State University.
Gator Goodrich, a 2023 Stanfield graduate, will attend Weatherford College in Texas and be a member of the Rodeo Team while studying agribusiness.
Cidney Estes, a 2023 Echo graduate, will be attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX to major in agribusiness. Cidney will be a member of the Honors College and participate on the Rodeo Team.
Hailey Gardner, a 2023 Hermiston High School graduate, will study mechanical engineering at the University of Idaho
Taylor Copenhaver, a 2020 Mac-Hi graduate, is studying psychology at Bushnell University in Eugene.
Elizabeth Doherty, a 2023 Hermiston High graduate, will be majoring in Human Biology on a pre-med track at Stanford University.
Horacio Zurita, a 2022 Hermiston High School graduate, will study business at the University of Portland.
Gavin Doherty, a 2022 Hermiston High School graduate is majoring in civil engineering at Oregon State University.
Hannah Walker, a 2018 Hermiston High School graduate, is studying veterinary medicine at Oregon State University.
Emily Wadkins, a 2020 Hermiston High graduate, is studying marketing at Eastern Oregon University.
Ryker McDonald, a 2022 Hermiston High School graduate, is majoring mechanical engineering at OSU.
Josue Cordoba, a 2023 Hermiston High School graduate, will attend WSU Tri-Cities to study Business Administration.
Each recipient will receive $3,000, allowing them to pursue their educational goals and aspirations at the institution of their choice. UEC firmly believes that investing in the education of these talented individuals will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of the local community.
"We are delighted to announce the recipients of the Umatilla Electric Cooperative academic scholarships. These bright and promising students have displayed exceptional dedication to their studies and have demonstrated their potential to become future leaders," said Weston Putman, Manager of Public Relations from UEC. "We are proud to support their educational journey and are confident that they will make a positive impact in their chosen fields."
The UEC scholarships further exemplify the cooperative's ongoing commitment to empowering the communities it serves by providing opportunities for academic growth and success. By nurturing talented students and fostering their intellectual development, UEC aims to create a stronger and more prosperous future for all.
In addition, UEC announced that Brennin Nash of Hermiston was selected as the recipient of the cooperative's $3,000 Lineman College Scholarship for 2023.
For more information about Umatilla Electric Cooperative and its various community initiatives, please visit umatillaelectric.com.