PPEC knows career preparation can be expensive. That’s why one of PPEC’s cooperative principles, “Education, Training, and Information,” aims to uplift the next generation of leaders and help them succeed through the co-op’s Children of Members Scholarship Program.

First place, $1,000

Local senior Chelsea Erford of Miller City High School received top honors in the 2023 PPEC scholarship competition. She represented PPEC in Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ statewide scholarship competition, where she placed ninth overall and received an additional $2,200 in funds. Additionally, first-place winner Corinne Bowers of Heritage High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Chelsea is the daughter of Aaron Erford of Ottawa, OH. She is very active in her community and high school while still maintaining a 4.0 GPA and becoming her class Valedictorian. Chelsea is a member of Miller City’s chapter of the National Honor Society, Yearbook Club, and the Golf team. Chelsea has been accepted to Bowling Green State University, Bluffton University, and Lourdes University and plans to major in Social Work.

Corinne is the daughter of Robert and Laura Bowers of Monroeville, IN. Corinne is a member of the Student Council and has been on the honor roll for all four years of high school. Corinne will be focusing on Nursing or Nutrition at either Purdue University or Ball State University.

Second place, $800

Second-place winners Jacob Kitson (Van Wert High School, OH) and Ashlyn Siefker (Ottawa-Glandorf High School, OH) will each receive $800 scholarships. Jacob lives in Ohio City and is the son of Jeremy Kitson and Amanda Kitson. He will be attending the Florida Institute of Technology to become a commercial pilot. Ashlyn resides in Ottawa with her parents, Brian and Tracy Siefker. She is planning on attending the University of Toledo and majoring in Nursing.

Third place, $600

Third-place winners Madison Hoersten (Ottoville High School, OH) and Annabelle Welch (Fort Jennings High School, OH) won $600 scholarships. Madison is the daughter of Krista Hoersten of Cloverdale, OH. She has been accepted to Kenyon College, Ohio Wesleyan University, the University of Findlay, and the University of Dayton and plans to major in Physical Therapy. Annabelle is the daughter of Chip Welch, who resides in Fort Jennings, OH. She will be majoring in Public Health with a pre-medicine concentration at the University of Toledo, the University of Findlay, or Bluffton University.

At-Large Winner, $600

Paulding High School senior Jamy Hunt is the at-large winner of a $600 scholarship. She is the daughter of Michael and Heather Hunt of Oakwood, OH. She will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and will be majoring in Agribusiness.

Congrats to the winners, and thanks to all students who applied. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed, and PPEC wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

Scholarship applications typically open each year in December for high school seniors who are children of PPEC members. Interested parents and students can visit ppec.coop/scholarships for more information.