Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Winners

We recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to four local students based on their academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. All four are children of MEC customers. Scholarships are funded via partnership dollars through our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative.

Applicants were told to film a video showing at least five items to include in a time capsule that will be opened in 10 years, clearly showing each item and explaining its importance. 

Jackson Bement
Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School

Jackson participated in the school’s Varsity Marching Band. Outside school, Jackson participated in Future Farmers of America, serving as president of the Cassopolis chapter for the 2025-26 year, as well as 4-H, serving as club president for two years. He also volunteered with Tractor Pullers at local fairs and tractor rides to support cancer research. 

Olivia Stockwell
Dowagiac Union High School

Olivia participated in the Girls Varsity Golf and Tennis teams and Humanities Club, and served as secretary of the National Honors Society and social media chair of the Chieftain Heart spirit club. Outside school, Olivia participated in 4-H, Green Dance Company, and the Rotary Interact Club in various roles, including club president for the 2025-26 year. She also volunteered with Niles Scream Park, the Dowagiac Conservation Club, and the Dowagiac Elks Club Junior Golf League, and she worked at Caruso’s Candy & Soda Shop as well as Slope Frozen Treats.  

Rocky Karsen
Lawton High School

Rocky participated on the school’s football team, receiving multiple awards as well as Defensive MVP as decided by his teammates. Outside school, he served as an altar server, reader, and mentor at his church. He also worked at Trackside Custom Works as a mechanic and fabricator. 

Brenna Broman
Clinton High School

Brenna participated in travel softball and the National Honor Society, and served as Varsity Golf Captain and Varsity Wrestling Manager. Outside school, Brenna worked at MJR Theaters and the Irish Hills Dairy Bar, volunteering with Clinton Little League, Lenawee Community Foundation’s Hunters Helping Lenawee program, Shop With a Cop, and Clinton High School’s after-prom volunteers. 

We also awarded two second-year scholarships to previous awardees, who were asked to film a short video reflecting on their first-year college experiences.

Charlotte Cultice
University of Michigan

Kira Kessen
Eastern Michigan University

High school seniors whose families receive monthly service from MEC at their primary residence are eligible to apply for our scholarship program. The application period is January through mid-March every year. Selection is based on the student’s answer to the challenge prompt as well as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, employment, and/or honors and awards. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, and an official transcript must be submitted for final approval.

Awardees are eligible to apply for a second scholarship after their first year of college. Up to two students will be awarded a second scholarship based on their answer to the second-year challenge prompt.

Please note that children of MEC employees and board members are not eligible to apply. Check teammidwest.com/scholarships in January 2027 for more information.