East Texas

A panel of three independent judges has awarded $10,000 in scholarships as part of Wood County Electric Cooperative's "Power My World" essay contest.

Ten students residing within WCEC's nine-county service area each will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward his or her continuing education. The program is funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state of Texas.

The 2009 scholarship recipients are: Kaitlyn Bohlken, Mt. Vernon; Coltin Caraway, Mt. Vernon; Dustin Clanton, Quit-man; Brandon Harry, Sulphur Springs; Philip Hayes, Lindale; Abigail Stone, Mt. Vernon; Dustyn Taylor, Grand Saline; Joe Terrell, Quitman; Cristy Whitlock, Mt. Vernon; and Kelsey Whitlock, Mt. Vernon.

The judges were Johnny Cates, Tom Geddie and Betty Stribley. They used several criteria to select the recipients, who were among 36 applicants.

"We had an outstanding group of applicants for the judges to choose from this year," said Debbie Robinson, WCEC chief executive officer and general manager. "All those that took the time to apply are to be congratulated for their efforts. We look forward to seeing all of the ambitions of each come to fruition. Also, we are especially pleased to play a small part in helping the scholarship recipients reach each of their individual goals."

WCEC is a not-for-profit company serving more than 32,000 meters in parts of Camp, Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties.