The Grand Valley Power Scholarship Selection Committee has selected eight outstanding students to receive scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees. In addition, the Grand Valley Power Member and Community Relations Committee has selected one student to attend the 2022 Cooperative Leadership Camp.
The Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of past educators appointed by the board of directors, who select recipients based on various elements such as academic performance, essay composition, academic and personal achievements, financial need and community or school involvement. Applicants must also be pursuing undergraduate degrees and currently reside in a home that receives electricity from Grand Valley Power. Since 1996, Grand Valley Power has awarded over $258,000 to students who are continuing education.
The Grand Valley Power Member and Community Relations Committee, which is comprised of members of the Board of Directors, determine the recipient of the Youth Leadership Program that including the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Students are selected based on an essay submission and application and currently reside in a home that receives electricity from Grand Valley Power.
The 2022 scholarship and youth program recipients are listed below:
Jack Broughton – Colorado Mesa University Scholarship - $2,000 (renewable and $8,000 total over the course of four years)
Alexis Grundy is a graduating senior from Plateau Valley High School and is planning to attend Colorado Mesa University to pursue a career in psychology. Alexis is actively involved in Plateau Valley’s National Honor Society where she volunteers for her local hospice grief group and Adopt-A-Highway cleanup program. Alexis hopes that her passion for people and leadership skills will help others persevere through difficult situations.
Grand Valley Power Scholarship – This one-time $1,500 scholarship (per person) is awarded to students who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education.
Olivia Shear is a graduating senior at Palisade High School and is planning on pursuing a degree in veterinary science with a minor in equine science. Olivia is a junior varsity athlete for the PHS volleyball team and has served as the team captain for two years. Olivia also volunteers for several community organizations including the local homeless shelter, Desert Springs Veterinary Hospital and The Center at Foresight. During her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time outdoors with her animals and horseback riding. Olivia hopes that her determination and leadership skills will help revolutionize the field of veterinary science.
Jeweli Wiltse is a graduating senior at Plateau Valley High School and is planning on pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Jeweli holds several leadership roles in a variety of extracurricular activities including Student Council, First Robotics Competition, and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Jeweli is also a key player on the PVHS volleyball team and frequently volunteers for community projects with the PV National Honor Society. She will attend Colorado Mountain College this fall.
Riley Pope is a graduating senior at Grand Junction High School and is interested in studying either exercise science or criminal justice. Riley is a leader at GJHS and has served as class president for three years, and vice-president for her senior year. Through her many leadership positions, Riley has been able to organize several successful student body events such as pep assemblies, dances, and spirit weeks. She also serves as managing editor of the Orange and Black, Grand Junction High School’s award-winning student newspaper. Outside of school, Riley enjoys swimming with the Maverick Aquatics swim team and works at a local shop, Candle Kitchen, on the weekends.
Ashlyn Wilkerson is a graduating senior at Plateau Valley High School and will pursue a degree in nursing. Ashlyn first discovered her passion for people after job shadowing at a local midwives office. There, Ashlyn had the opportunity to help deliver a healthy baby boy which sparked her love for nursing. At school, Ashlyn is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including National Honors Society, Adopt-A-Highway cleanup program and theater. Ashlyn plans to attend the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in the fall.
Sarah Cook is a graduating senior at Palisade High School and will pursue a degree in sociology. Since her freshman year, Sarah has been at the top of her class by exceling in every AP and honors course offered at PHS. Not only is Sarah a dedicated student, but also a devoted swimmer for the PHS and Colorado Mesa University swim team. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys volunteering at the local homeless shelter and assisting with Special Olympics’ events. Sarah hopes that her career in social work will allow her to connect with families and give children the opportunity to develop in a safe environment.
Sophia Feghali is a graduating senior at Palisade High School and will pursue a degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology with hopes of becoming a cosmetic surgeon. Sophia is a published author of the book Stinky Bleu and the Case of the Death Cheese Formula, a book filled with action and adventure in the setting of in her home country, Lebanon. At school, Sophia is involved in several extracurricular including National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and Development of Great Students (D.O.G.S.), a freshman mentoring organization. Sophia plans to attend the University of Colorado-Boulder this fall.
2022 Cooperative Youth Camp Participant – One student was selected to participate in an all-expenses-paid trip to the Cooperative Leadership Camp hosted in Clark, CO. GVP’s Youth Programs provide students with a hands-on leadership experience where students leave with a better understanding of the cooperative business model and memories of a lifetime.
Astreae Flint is a junior at Fruita Monument High School and is passionate about the world of science and engineering. Astreae is an active member of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA). She also volunteers at many S.T.E.A.M. camps during the summer to help educate local youth on the power of science. She hopes that attending Youth Camp will allow her to sharpen her leadership skills and gain memories that last a lifetime.
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