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LOCAL STUDENTS AWARDED MIDWEST ENERGY COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP

(Cassopolis, MI) – Midwest Energy Cooperative recently awarded $500 college scholarships to four 2006 high school graduates. More than 125 students applied for the program. Applications were judged based on academic achievements, school and community activities, honors and awards, and a 250-word essay about the value of a college education. Any high school senior whose parents or guardians receive monthly electric service from Midwest Energy Cooperative and whose primary residence is in Midwest’s service territory were eligible to apply.

"All of our award winners have demonstrated an excellent balance of academics and other involvement during their high school careers," said Bob Hance, Midwest Energy Cooperative president/CEO. "We’re proud to use this scholarship program to help support today’s student leaders on the path to becoming tomorrow’s business and community leaders."

2006 scholarship winners were:

Nicole Butler, daughter of Terri Butler of Adrian. Butler is a 2006 graduate of Tecumseh High School and aspires to be an orthodontist. She plans to begin her studies this fall at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

Benjamin A. Fries, son of Clark and Anne Fries of Constantine. Fries is a 2006 graduate of Constantine High School and aspires to be an elementary music teacher. He plans to begin his studies this fall at Indiana University at South Bend, South Bend, Ind.

Amber Meghan Mack, daughter of Donald and Debbra Mack of Schoolcraft. Mack is a 2006 graduate of Schoolcraft High School and aspires to be a veterinarian. She plans to begin her studies this fall at The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio.

Lindsey Stoeckinger, daughter of Jerry and Rhonda Stoekinger of Niles. Stoeckinger is a 2006 graduate of Edwardsburg High School and aspires to be a pharmacist. She plans to begin her studies this fall at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

Midwest Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility providing electric and an assortment of energy-related programs and services to more than 35,000 customers in 11 counties in southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio. Midwest Energy is the parent company of Midwest Connections and Midwest Propane and has district offices in Cassopolis, Paw Paw, and Adrian.

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