Norris Electric now accepting Scholarship Applications for 2024-2025

Norris Electric Cooperative (NEC) is proud to announce that it will award three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to deserving students whose parents or legal guardians are served by NEC. Eligibility varies, but, in general, overall academic achievement (such as GPA and ACT/SAT scores), extracurricular activities, and community involvement rank high in the evaluation process. A brief written essay is required, and the applicant’s primary residence must be in NEC’s service territory.

 

NEC has also released funds for a fourth scholarship, named the Denise A. Pless Creative Arts Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to any student who chooses to major in communications, visual art, music, creative writing, film, photography, art history, or art restoration.

 

The Denise A. Pless Creative Arts Scholarship was created in honor of the late Denise Pless. Denise served NEC for 14 years as the administrative assistant/communication coordinator.  Along with many other job duties, Denise took pride in heading up the cooperative’s youth programs. She was passionate about teaching tomorrow’s leaders, and this scholarship will allow her passion to live on and pave the way for students interested in the fields mentioned above.  This scholarship is open to any high school senior whose parents or legal guardians are members of Norris Electric and who is planning to major in the creative arts. Scholarship applicants will be graded on grade point average, work and volunteer experience, participation in school and community activities, and a one-page essay describing how arts have positively influenced their lives. A sample of work that includes photographs, writing, videos, etc., is encouraged.  Denise's creative mind, outgoing personality, and artistic touch will be forever missed, but NEC is grateful to see students continuing to benefit as a result of her efforts.

Scholarship applications can be found here:

Norris Electric Scholarship Rules and Application

THM IEC Memorial Scholarship

LaVern & Nola McEntire Lineworker's Scholarship

Denise A Pless Creative Arts Scholarship

For more information, contact the office at 618-783-8765.

Natalie O'Dell of Neoga High School is a 2024 recipient of a $1,000 NEC scholarship.

Hadley Hagler of Beecher City High School is a 2024 recipient of a $1,000 NEC scholarship.

Ethan Dhom of Oblong High School is a 2024 recipient of a $1,000 NEC scholarship.

Braden Magelitz of Altamont High School is a 2024 recipient of a $1,000 Denise A. Pless Creative Arts  scholarship.

The 2024 Annual Meeting $500 scholarship winners were Max Lewis, Oblong: Peyton Whitacre, Effingham; Kyle Kocher, Newton; Alaina Kuhl, Newton.

 $1,000 Norris Electric Scholarships
Three (3) scholarships are available for a NEC member dependent attending an accredited institution.

Illinois Electric Cooperatives Scholarship 
Eleven (11) $2,000 scholarships are available through the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives

LaVern and Nola McEntire Lineworker Scholarship
One (1) $2,000 scholarship available conducted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College.

Denise A Pless Creative Arts Scholarship

One (1) $1,000 scholarship available for a NEC member dependent attending an accredited institution

Eligibility differs for each scholarship, but in general applicants must be a senior in high school and a dependent of a Norris Electric member.