Fueling the Future: REC Awards 17 Scholarships to 2026 Students
The REC Community Scholarship program is part of the Cooperative’s continued commitment to advancing education and investing in the communities it serves. It is another example of the value the Cooperative provides - beyond delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Each year, these scholarships recognize high school seniors and current college or technical school students who have shown strong academic performance and meaningful community involvement. This year REC awarded $20,000, including two $2,500 scholarships and fifteen $1,000 scholarships.
Ninety Years of Cooperative Power
Before there was a cooperative serving the area, two determined Virginians carried a message from community to community: If rural families and businesses wanted electric service, they might have to build the system themselves. In 1934 less than 8% of Virginia farms had electricity. In 1935, Dr. J.R. Travis and Francis Pitts traveled Virginia’s back roads, meeting with farmers, business owners and local families to build support for what became Farmers Rural Utilities, a nonprofit effort created to bring power to places investor-owned utilities had left behind. Their work reflected a principle that still defines electric cooperatives today: When communities are overlooked, the cooperative model can provide a practical, lasting solution.
REC Reliability Upgrades First Quarter 2026
In the first few months of 2026, REC continued its proactive reliability upgrades, repairs and recurring maintenance - all with the purpose of being prepared when it matters most.
June Events
June 4
Pamunkey Regional Library: "Unearth a Good Story"
Hanover
June 6
Autism Awareness Festival
Louisa
June 12
Culpeperfest
Culpeper
June 18
Caroline County Agricultural Fair
Caroline County
Date TBD in June
Warren/Page County Juneteenth Celebration
Front Royal
June 20
King William Juneteenth Celebration
King William
Fauquier Juneteenth Celebration
Fauquier
June 21
Summer Solstice Celebration
King William
June 27
Lake of the Woods July Fourth Parade
Orange
June 27
FredNats Jersey Night
Fredericksburg
Cooperative Living
