Lighting the Way awards $1,000 trade scholarship

Cesar Morales, a 2023 graduate of Arcadia High School and current Eastern Shore Community College student, has big plans for his future. After an impressive high school career participating in cross country, track, and soccer while also finding time to volunteer at the Foodbank, the public library, and the school newspaper and yearbook, Morales isn’t ready to stop his pursuit of excellence.

Lighting the Way, A&N Electric Cooperative’s employee-led nonprofit, announced Morales as the winner of its $1,000 trade school scholarship. Designed specifically for students looking to pursue a trade, Morales fit the bill and then some.

The resounding theme to Morales’ life: tenacity. In his own words, he is resourceful and independent — characteristics he attributes to the way of life on the Eastern Shore. “Sometimes you can’t rely on quick fixes or immediate help,” Morales wrote, “so you have to figure things out, stay patient, and solve the problems on your own.”

Morales plans to become a Master Electrician and has even considered starting his own business, providing needed services to the community while further developing his leadership skills. Morales also aspires to mentor future apprentices to strengthen the growth of the local trade industry.

In 2019, A&N employees established Lighting the Way, a nonprofit organization dedicated to support local community initiatives. Lighting the Way volunteers monthly with the Foodbank, hosts American Red Cross blood drives, and participates in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program by cleaning adopted roadways in Tasley.

In 2025, Lighting the Way successfully raised and awarded more than $8,000 to local causes such as the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation, Nandua High School Baseball, the Northampton County Education Foundation, several local Little Leagues, the Boys & Girls Club, the Eastern Shore Literacy Council, and more.

The organization also supports students pursuing careers in skilled trades through its annual scholarship program.

“We couldn’t be more proud to award this year’s scholarship to such a hardworking young man,” stated Lighting the Way’s President, Amanda Bowen. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support local students who are pursuing trades that strengthen our community.”