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 select one of MEC's three main services (electric, propane, and fiber internet) and film a commercial promoting it using whatever creative and artistic touches they could think of.
Kira Kessen, Paw Paw High School Kira participated in honors, concert, and marching band for four years and was flute section leader for two. She also served as Tutoring Committee Head of the National Honor Society, as President of the Junior Friends of the Antwerp Sunshine Library, and was an academic honor roll member for seven years. Outside school, Kira worked at the YMCA and volunteered in the community by packaging food for students, helped set up a parish Halloween carnival, and acting as a costumed character at birthday parties. She plans to study simulation, animation, and gaming at Eastern Michigan University. |
Charlotte Cultice, Edwardsburg High School Charlotte won the Academic Achievement Award at Edwardsburg High School three times, participated in the National Honors Society, served as President of EHS Students Against Destructive Decisions, and served as drumline leader in the EHS Marching Band. Outside school, Charlotte worked at Copper Creek Café and is a confirmed member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. She plans to study nursing at the University of Michigan. |
Rebecca Guernsey, Dowagiac High School Rebecca is her class valedictorian and has received the Academic All State and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Awards. She has participated in softball, basketball, golf, robotics, power lifting, and student senate and has served as treasurer of the National Honor Society. Outside school, Rebecca volunteered as an altar server, funeral lunch helper/server, and food pantry/truck assistant and has helped organize and run blood drives. She plans to study sports management and kinesiology at Bethel University. |
Rowan Iwaniuk, Niles High School Rowan has participated in 4-H and Future Farmers of America and has earned both the start farmer and swine proficiency awards. He started school sports podcast The Viking Huddle and participated in The Nilly News morning announcement program. Outside school, Rowan works part-time at a local swine farm, and helps manage his aunt and uncle’s farm. He was recently crowned “Mr. Niles.” He plans to study swine management at Michigan State’s Southwestern Michigan College Extension. |
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. Please note that children of MEC employees and board members are not eligible to apply.
Check teammidwest.com/scholarship in January 2026 for more information.
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