Local electric co-op reaching out to area youth

Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (REC) has several opportunities for area youth to put their best foot forward in the coming year and in return receive an enriching reward. REC is proud once again to be sponsoring two essay contests in 2018—one for high school juniors and another for eighth-grade students—as well as a college scholarship for area high school seniors. Information can also be found online at www.neelectric.com under theCommunity Services tab. Interested individuals can request information by emailing clint.branham@neelectric.com or by calling 1-800-256-6405, ext. 9340.

Youth Tour

REC will be sending four high school juniors from its service area on a week-long, all-expense-paid tour of our nation’s capital in 2017 as part of its annual Youth Tour essay contest. If you are in the eleventh grade and attend school within the cooperative service area of Mayes, Delaware, Craig and Ottawa Counties (or Chelsea High School in Rogers County) you are eligible to enter and win this contest. Youth Tour hopefuls can submit a written essay of 500 words or more on the topic: “The Future of Electricity.” Submissions must be received on or before March 9, 2018. Youth Tour winners will visit Washington, D. C., June 8-14, 2018.

Energy Camp

Four eighth-graders from the cooperative service area will enjoy a week-long adventure at Canyon Camp near beautiful Red Rock Canyon in Hinton, Oklahoma, during the 2018 Energy Camp. A winning essay will earn these lucky eighth-graders an opportunity to take part in a fun and educational trip that comes around only once. A written essay of up to 500 words on the topic: “The Future of Electricity” must be submitted by March 16, 2018. Energy Camp runs May 29 through June 1, 2018.

College Scholarship

High school seniors whose parents or guardians are Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative members and who live in a household served by REC electric are encouraged to apply for a $1,000 college scholarships. Application deadline is March 16, 2018. Four winners will be selected. Scholarship applications are available upon request.              

Classroom incentive

REC is also encouraging area teachers to get involved and incorporate the essay contests into classroom curriculum. If an instructor whose administration of the essays as part of classroom curriculum produces a contest finalist, he or she could be rewarded with as much as $200 toward the purchase of classroom materials or equipment.