Community Electric Cooperative Awards $7,500 in Scholarships to Four Area High School Seniors

COMMSERV

In communities served by electric cooperatives, the commitment to powering lives extends far beyond keeping the lights on. For 25 years, that commitment has included investing in the next generation—and this year is no exception.

This spring, Community Electric Cooperative (CEC) proudly awarded $7,500 in scholarships to four exceptional high school seniors through the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship Foundation. These awards are helping local students take meaningful steps toward their futures—whether that path leads to a university classroom, a technical program, or a skilled trade.

A Legacy of Opportunity

The scholarships come at a milestone moment. The VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation is celebrating 25 years of supporting students across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Since its founding in 2001, the program has awarded more than 1,350 scholarships totaling $1.4 million—an enduring testament to the cooperative principle of concern for community.

“Programs like this are truly one of the jewels of the electric cooperative community,” said CEC President and CEO Steven Harmon. “We are immensely proud to recognize these outstanding students. They represent the very best of our communities, and we hope they carry with them the support of the entire cooperative family as they pursue their dreams.”

Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients

This year’s local recipients, each awarded between $1,500 and $2,500 in the name of Worth M. Hudson—the foundation’s first chairman—reflect a diverse range of ambitions and talents:

Matthew Cornwell (Southampton High School) plans to attend Liberty University, where he will pursue commercial and corporate aeronautics. With aspirations of becoming a pilot, he notes that the scholarship will help offset the high cost of flight training.
Rhea Cutchins (Southampton High School) is headed to the University of South Carolina Honors College on a pre-law track. With an accelerated six-year path to becoming an attorney, she is driven by a desire to serve her community and do so with a work ethic she long has admired in her mother.
Ava Joyner (Suffolk Christian Academy) will attend the University of Virginia to study biology, with the goal of becoming a dermatologist. A standout participant in CEC’s Youth Program, Joyner also represented Virginia on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Leadership Council.
Jorja Powell (Windsor High School) plans to study interior design at Radford University. Her passion for creating welcoming, personalized spaces began at a young age and has grown into a clear career path.

Each student brings not only academic achievement but also a sense of purpose rooted in their community.

Supporting Students, Strengthening Communities
Across the three-state region, the VMDAEC Foundation awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 92 students this year alone. For many families—especially in rural areas where the cost of higher education can be a significant burden—these scholarships provide more than financial relief. They offer opportunity, encouragement, and a tangible reminder that their community is invested in their success.

“For 25 years, our electric cooperatives have invested in the young people we serve,” said VMDAEC CEO Brian Mosier. “Whether these students become future co-op leaders, join the workforce, or pursue skilled trades, they are helping build a stronger future for all of us.”

Powered by Community Support

The scholarship program is funded entirely through private donations and community-driven initiatives, including the “Keeping the Lights On” commemorative Virginia license plate. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting students—making it a true reflection of cooperative values in action.

As the foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, one thing is clear: the impact of these scholarships extends far beyond the classroom. They are shaping futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that the cooperative spirit continues for generations to come.