Faith Begay
Daughter of Robert Begay & Julie Brinckmeyer, Lower Brule

Grace Schnabel
Daughter of Doug & Nancy Thorson, Quinn

Ben Stout
Son of Thad & Penny Stout, Kadoka

Washington, DC Trip: Once a year West Central Electric sponsors one to four high school juniors on an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC. Each June, more than 1,200 high school juniors and seniors travel to Washington, DC, to participate in the Rural Electric Youth Tour. During the week, they learn about Washington, DC, government, cooperative philosophy and rural electrification. The students are selected and sponsored by their local rural electric cooperatives. The South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) coordinates arrangements for the South Dakota students. Among the sites that are toured are: Lincoln Memorial, National Cathedral, the White House, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Ford’s Theater, Kennedy Center, the Metro, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Smithsonian, Iwo Jima Statue, National Archives, U.S. Supreme Court and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Students will also participate in a breakfast briefing with the South Dakota Congressional delegation.

Who is eligible?
All area high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of West Central Electric are eligible to apply.

What does it cost?
West Central Electric, along with other rural electric cooperatives participating in this event, funds the tour. The funding of the tour provides for each participant’s transportation, room and board, entertainment and sight-seeing events. Students are required to provide their own personal spending money (snacks and souvenirs).

When is it held?
The weeklong trip is held in June. Participants meet for an orientation meeting on the first day in Sioux Falls. The group will fly to Washington, DC on the first day and return to South Dakota in the afternoon of the last day. A commercial bus will be used for transportation while in Washington, DC.

How do I qualify?
Each entrant must submit an essay, not to exceed 500 words, on the subject of "Why I Want to Participate in the Washington Youth Tour." All essays must be typed and include a cover sheet which states the title of the essay, the entrant’s name and the name of their school. Applications may be picked up from your local guidance counselor or from West Central Electric. All applications and essays must be received by West Central Electric on or before the deadline date.

Each year West Central supports continuing education for area students by offering several scholarships to high school seniors who are dependents of cooperative members.

In 2008 West Central Electric presented $11,000 in scholarships to 22 deserving high school students from our area.

Sierra Andersen
Daughter of Steve & Alisa Andersen, Fort Pierre

Whitney Antonsen
Daughter of James & Deborah Antonsen, Kadoka

Skye Brucklacher
Daughter of Bruce & Brigitte Brucklacher, Philip

Brittany Bunnell
Daughter of Doug & Cindy Bunnell, Oacoma

Kipp Cross
Son of Kelly & Jackie Cross, Fort Pierre

Sarah Dowling
Daughter of Tracy & Karen Dowling, Draper

Shandi Feddersen
Daughter of Marvin & Valerie Feddersen, Murdo

Zane Fees
Son of Donald & Carmen Fees, Philip

Tyler Frederick
Son of John Frederick & Julie Goodman, Oacoma

Toby Hullinger
Son of Lyle & Marsha Hullinger, Vivian

Bryer Jones
Son of Barry & Kim Jones, Midland

Marla Kelly
Daughter of William & Lori Kelly, Quinn

Megan Meier
Daughter of Todd & Barb Meier, Kennebec

Taylor Michalek
Son of Thomas & Linda Michalek, Murdo

Lex Moore
Son of Larry & Lezlie Moore, Vivian

Kassy Norman
Daughter of Mork & Robin Norman, Hayes

Tanner Ozanne
Son of Lee & Syndi Ozanne, Kennebec

Cody Schrieber
Son of Mike & Jill Schreiber, Oacoma

Whitney Stoeser
Daughter of Jim & Deb Stoeser, Hayes

Britney Sinkey
Daughter of Dennis & Edna Sinkey, Midland

Jordan Stout
Son of Jerry & Annie Stout, Kadoka

Erica Thompson
Daughter of Avery & Dixie Thompson, Reliance

Vocational Form

1. Complete the scholarship form by typing or printing, attach additional sheets if necessary.
2. Include an essay with a maximum of 250 words on the subject of: "Why I have chosen this field for a career?"
3. Enclose a statement written by you outlining your education and career goals.
4. Enclose one letter of reference from an employer, or a member of the community.
5. Document high school, community and school activities.
6. Enclose a copy of your school attendance records.

College Form

1. Complete the scholarship form by typing or printing, attach additional sheets if necessary.
2. Include an essay with a maximum of 500 words on a subject determined by the West Central Scholarship Committee.
3. Enclose a copy of your college entrance examination (ACT and/or SAT) scores.
4. Enclose a statement written by you outlining your education and career goals.
5. Enclose one letter of reference from an employer, or a member of the community.
6. Document high school, community and school activities.
7. Enclose a copy of your school attendance records.

** All scholarship entries are confidential and will be viewed by the cooperative or cooperative selection committees.

**Applications will not be considered unless the above required information is complete.