REC has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 17 students to help them continue their education or work-force training.
Each year, REC’s Community Scholarship program recognizes students who are seeking to advance their career goals by attending a college or a career and technical school. The applications are open to seniors in high school planning to attend a college or university; students currently enrolled in a college or university; seniors in high school planning to attend a career and technical school; or students currently enrolled in a career and technical school.
"Empowering the youth through the Community Scholarship program not only fosters individual growth but also cultivates the very essence of community resilience,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations. “Investing in our youth today ensures a brighter, more promising tomorrow for the communities we proudly serve."
REC received a record number of applications in 2024, and we are so excited to announce this year’s winners!
The following students each received a $2,500 scholarship:
Rachel Haile, Hanover County - Hanover High School
Priscillia Zhao, Louisa County - James Madison University
The following students each received a $1,000 scholarship:
Rylie Benson, Frederick County - Sherando High School
Shamari Garnett, Essex County - Virginia Commonwealth University
Calvin Gaspar, Hanover County - Florida Institute of Technology
Anna Hornbaker, Clarke County - Clarke County High School
Regan Jackson, Clarke County - Louisiana State University
Sarah Lane, Culpeper County - Culpeper County High School
Emma Lohr, Spotsylvania County - Riverbend High School
Akhil Marri, Greene County - William Monroe High School
Sydney McAdo, Hanover County - St. Catherine’s School
Kaia Morris, Greene County - William Monroe High School
Jenna Robey, Rappahannock County, HUES Aesthetic Institute
Aaron Scheible, Spotsylvania County - Massaponax High School
Hannah Turner, Orange County - American Institute of Nondestructive Testing
Bayleigh Valentine, Spotsylvania County - Massaponax High School
Timothy Wilkening, Orange County - Liberty University
“This scholarship will help pay for my college expenses associated with tuition, room and board, and books, allowing me to focus on my education,” said Rachel Haile. “It’s encouraging to know that REC is supporting me in my college career and this scholarship is further motivation for me to make my time at Virginia Tech worthwhile!”
Applications for the 2025 Community Scholarship are now open. To apply for each scholarship, the applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of REC, and the applicant must be planning to enroll in an accredited educational or training institution. To learn more and access the online application, visit myrec.coop/scholarships.
