DEMOPOLIS, Ala. – Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation recently awarded scholarships to six graduating high school seniors in Choctaw County. The scholarships, $500 each, were among 10 presented to students in Black Warrior’s coverage area through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which was created by Alabama’s electric cooperatives as a means to give back to their communities.

“These scholarships demonstrate Black Warrior Electric’s commitment to education and to the young people in the areas served by us,” said Terry Barr, president of the BWEMC board of directors. “We want to help these well-deserving students continue their education in college and see them become successful.”

The six students awarded scholarships are from three high schools in Choctaw County. They are:

• Dan’Chella Palmer and sisters Mariah and Mya Thompkins of Choctaw County High School.

• Ashley Carlisle and Emily Sikes of South Choctaw Academy.

• Chandler McIlwain of Patrician Academy.

“We are thrilled that we were able to give scholarships to six students from Choctaw County,” said Dr. John Lanier, a BWEMC board member who lives in Choctaw County. “That shows our schools are producing students with a bright future.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must be a graduating high school senior who is the dependent of a cooperative member. The money is awarded directly to the school of the student’s choosing. To spread the word about the scholarships, applications were distributed to the more than 20 high schools in the utility’s 12-county coverage area.

“Last year, we awarded two scholarships, but this year we increased that number to 10,” said Black Warrior Electric General Manager Daryl Jones. “The response has been great, and the board saw this as an opportunity to help more students.”

The scholarship applications were evaluated by the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which on behalf of the electric cooperatives has been awarding scholarships to vocational and trade schools and four-year colleges and universities since 2001. Over the years, the foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $517,000.

• Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned cooperative that has provided reliable, economical service to West Central Alabama since 1939. It serves about 26,000 customers in 12 counties. For information, go to www.blackwarrioremc.com.