Black Warrior EMC awards scholarships to 10 area seniors Winning students are dependents of co-op’s members

As part of its continuing commitment to the communities it serves and the education of young people, Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation recently awarded scholarships to 10 high school graduating seniors in West Central Alabama.

The $500 scholarships are awarded through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, created by Alabama’s electric cooperatives as a means to give back to their communities.

“Education is the foundation for success,” Black Warrior EMC Board President Terry Barr said. “Awarding scholarships to some our brightest and most promising students is our way of both recognizing their accomplishments and encouraging them to continue their education. It has been and will continue to be a priority for this board.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must be a graduating high school senior who is the dependent of a Black Warrior EMC member. The money is awarded directly to the school of the student’s choosing, is good for four years, and can be used for anything purchased through the school – tuition, books, room and board, etc.

To spread the word about the scholarships, applications were distributed to the more than 20 high schools in the utility’s 12-county coverage area. Black Warrior EMC board members went to the school of each student to present the awards.

Five of this year’s scholarship winners are from Demopolis High School. Black Warrior Board Vice President Irvin Eatman, Secretary-Treasurer Peter Reynolds Jr., board members Audra Browder, Ronnie Hall and Ottice Russelle, and Manager Daryl Jones went to the school to present the scholarship awards.

Board President Barr was joined by Board Member John Lanier in presenting the scholarships to students at Patrician Academy, Millry High School and Cooper Home School Academy, while board members Clyde Fields and W. Townsend Kyser III presented the award to the Greensboro High winner.

This is the seventh year Black Warrior EMC has awarded scholarships. This year’s winners are:

• Kira Bruno of Demopolis, a student at Demopolis High School. She plans to major in chemical engineering.

• Coulter Bumbarner of Demopolis, a student at Demopolis High School. He plans to major in finance.

• Victoria Glover of Demopolis, a student at Demopolis High School. She plans to major in civil engineering.

• Neela Larkin of Demopolis, a student at Demopolis High School. She plans to major in business.

• Emilee Paul of Demopolis, a student at Demopolis High School. She plans to major in nursing.

• Erin Cooper of Gilbertown, a student at Cooper Home School Academy. She plans to major in music education.

• Ryesha Fields of Greensboro, a student at Greensboro High School. She plans to major in physical therapy.

• Jasper Gibson of Butler, a student at Patrician Academy. He plans to major in pre-law.

• Frances Lewis of Butler, a student at Patrician Academy. She plans to major in nursing.

• Anna McIlwain of Millry, a student at Millry High School. She plans to major in science.

The scholarship applications were evaluated by the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which on behalf of the electric cooperatives has been awarding scholarships to students at vocational and trade schools and four-year colleges and universities since 2001. Over the years, the foundation has awarded scholarships totaling more than a half-million dollars.

Latrisa Solomon, CSR in our main office, began her retirement on June 1, 2023. Latrisa has worked at BWEMC for the past 24 years.