Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) is proud to recognize the outstanding students awarded scholarships in the 2025 Traditional Children of Members Scholarship program. These scholarships honor the academic achievements and future aspirations of students whose families are PPEC members.

Children of Members Scholarship Winners

Laney Hedrick, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, has been awarded first place and a $1,000 scholarship. She is the daughter of Jason and Wendy Hedrick and plans to attend Rhodes State College, where she will major in nursing. She will also have the change to compete for additional scholarships from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives in April. 

Grace Goyings, a senior at Paulding High School, earned second place and a $750 scholarship. She is the daughter of Trent and Kelly Goyings. Grace plans to attend either Miami University or Bowling Green State University, where she will major in biology with a focus on marine and aquatic aspects. She also plans to minor in horticulture or botany.

Makenna Smith, a senior at Woodlan High School, received third place and a $500 scholarship. She is the daughter of Bradley and Elaine Smith. Makenna plans to attend either Purdue University West Lafayette or Purdue University Fort Wayne, where she will major in elementary education.

Five additional students received honorable mention scholarships of $250 each. Ryan Verhoff, a senior at Kalida High School and the son of Tim Verhoff, plans to attend either Ohio State University or the University of Cincinnati, where he will major in engineering or computer science engineering. Reagan Miller, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School and the daughter of Jason and Erin Miller, plans to attend either OSU Lima or the University of Toledo to major in primary education. Abby Hohlbein, a senior at Ottoville High School and the daughter of Mike and Jill Hohlbein, plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio, where she will major in motorsports marketing. Kaylyn Gerold, a senior at Lincolnview High School, and the daughter of Jennifer Adams, plans to attend the University of Cincinnati, where she will major in nursing. Noah Schroeder, a senior at Ottawa-Glandorf High School and the son of Brian Schroeder, plans to attend the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music to major in music education.

Community Champion Scholarship Winner

The Community Champion Scholarship recognizes a student who has made a meaningful impact in their local community. This award was open to community-nominated students or applicants with a letter of recommendation.

This year’s recipient is Olivia Edwards, a senior at Woodlan High School and the daughter of Jose Hirsch. Olivia plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne, where she will major in business administration. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her community through various service projects. Olivia started her school’s Polar Plunge team, which helped raise money for the Indiana Special Olympics. She continued her efforts by raising enough funds for Woodlan to become a “Champions Together School,” further supporting the Special Olympics. In addition to her work with Special Olympics, Olivia has volunteered her time making blankets for her local humane society, assisting the Salvation Army, raising money for the American Heart Association, and serving meals to those in need in Fort Wayne.

General Scholarship Drawing Winners

In addition to these scholarships, PPEC also awarded ten $500 scholarships during the co-op’s annual meeting broadcast on March 22. These scholarships were given through a random drawing open to members and their children who are enrolled in or planning to attend a college, trade, or technical program.

The 10 winners of the $500 scholarships are: