Walton EMC awards $156,000 in scholarships

Thirty-two high school seniors from Walton EMC customer-owner families are receiving $4,000 post-high school scholarships awarded by the co-op. Another 28 students are each receiving a $1,000 finalist scholarship to continue their education.

The students were eligible for consideration because their primary residence is served by Walton EMC.

“These scholarships reflect Walton EMC’s strong commitment to advancing educational opportunities among our youth,” said Jim Bottone, senior vice president of Walton Energy and External Affairs. “We commend these outstanding students from the Class of 2025, knowing they represent a future generation of leaders in our local communities.”

Student applicants were evaluated on work ethic, triumph over obstacles, community service and extracurricular activities. The scholarship committee also reviewed recommendations from teachers and other adults involved in the students’ lives.

“We’re extremely proud to be able to help these deserving young people continue their education, whether at a college or in learning a trade,” said Connie Bentley, a Walton EMC financial analyst who has reviewed scholarship applications for 15 years.

Since 2008, the Walton Electric Trust has awarded 836 scholarships totaling over $3.7 million to aspiring students. Trust scholarships are funded by unclaimed capital credit refunds that are placed into a special endowment.

Full list of recipients

$4,000 scholarship recipients

Archer High School – Marin Pittman

Bethlehem Christian Academy – Issac Mollett, Jayci Palmer, Weston Haney, Anna Adolphson, Aubrey Meadows, Shelby Craft

Brookwood High School – Max Rothman

Cedar Shoals High School – Alyssa Weiszer, Tumelo Johnson

George Walton Academy – Emerson Sheldon

Georgia Cyber Academy – Hannah Lang

Gwinnett School of Math, Science & Technology – Andrew Hong

Loganville Christian Academy – Emery Loyless, Catherine Bruno

Loganville High School – Madison Mitchell, Parker-Grace Bridges

Monroe Area High School – Cooper Torbush

Morgan County High School – Jordan Moon, Jaden Shumate, Leyton Morris

North Oconee High School – Addison Butler, Henry Shepherd

Oconee County High School – Luke Squier, Briggs Stoll, Katherine Walker, Lauren Myers

Walnut Grove High School – Caileigh Goldstein, Maggie Shumate, Ashlyn Chafin, Ella Stover, Blakely Stewart

$1,000 finalist scholarship recipients

Bethlehem Christian Academy – Gloria Fort, Landon Bonner

Brookwood High School – Cole Van Hassel, Michael Howard, Chloe Johnson

Grayson High School – Chase Blake, Hailey Spinks

Hebron Christian Academy – Elizabeth Jacobs

Loganville High School – Maggie McGaughey, Laurel Eby, Lisa Destine

Monroe Area High School – Jazlyn Atkinson

North Oconee High School – Elliott Storer, Deeya Mepani, Carson Rollins

Oconee County High School – Edward Huang, McCall Woodru , Kinley Hagood, Andrew Zhang, Damian Rothrock

Paul Duke STEM High School – Nicholas Evans

Prince Avenue Christian School – Kinsley Bowen

Scholars Guild Academy – Elizabeth Popa

South Gwinnett High School – Kamilah Turner, Daniela Otiura

Walnut Grove High School – Jalen Willis, Saniyah Cantrell

Westminster Christian Academy – William Greene