VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation awards seven scholarships to local students

Seven local high school seniors were awarded scholarships through the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships will help 2026 graduates from the A&N Electric Cooperative’s service area pursue college, technical, or trade school education.

Across the three-state region, the foundation awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 92 high school seniors this year.

Local recipients include:

• Chris Lopez-Perez (Nandua)
• Sarah Bentley (Nandua)
• Brooke Faith (Chincoteague)
• Ja’Niya Harris (Arcadia)
• David Villatoro-Perez (Arcadia)
• Dalton Barnes (Arcadia)
• Susanna Locklear (Broadwater)

“For 25 years, our electric cooperatives have invested in the young people we serve,” said Brian Mosier, VMDAEC CEO. “This program reflects the cooperative principle of ‘concern for community’ while supporting future leaders — whether they serve on co-op boards, join our workforce, or pursue skilled trades that help keep the lights on. At a time of rising education costs and financial pressure in many rural communities, these scholarships help students build a strong foundation for the future.”

Since 2001, more than 1,350 scholarships totaling $1.4 million to graduating seniors pursuing college, technical or trade education have been awarded. Recipients must live within the service areas of the Association’s 16 member cooperatives — 13 in Virginia, two in Maryland, and one in Delaware. Funds are paid directly to the institution to help the student with tuition or room and board.

The scholarship program is supported by private donations and received a significant boost in 2018 with the launch of the “Keeping the Lights On” commemorative Virginia license plate. Proceeds from the plate, which costs drivers $25 per year ($35 per year for personalized plates) directly fund the scholarships.

Additional contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible and may be made in honor or memory of an individual. One hundred percent of donations support student scholarships. Supporters can donate at https://vmdaec.swoogo.com/give-vmdaec-scholarship.

For more information, visit https://vmdaec.com/scholarshipfoundation