$18K in College/VOTEC Scholarships Awarded
A panel of three independent judges recently awarded $18,000 in scholarships as part of Wood County Electric Cooperative’s (WCEC) “Power My World” program. Ten local high school students, residing within WCEC’s 9-county service area, will each receive a $1,500 scholarship towards a college education, and three students will receive $1,000 towards tuition for a trade/vocational certificate path. The program is funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state and does not come from WCEC's operating budget. 
 
The independent judges were comprised of three WCEC members: John Arbter of Golden, David Dobbs of Quitman and Susan Ukleja of Yantis. These judges used various criteria to down-select the thirteen, who were chosen from forty-two qualified applicants. Each judge was tasked with reviewing the submissions, accompanying academic records and lists of civic and community achievements. Additionally, each student was required to submit an essay, which was read by each judge. 
 
Based on their exceptional work and achievements, the ten 2022 Power My World $1,500 college scholarship recipients are: Jase Melton, Grand Saline ISD; Jack Heard and Sunni Ruffin, Mineola ISD; Lauren Newsome, Mount Vernon ISD; Brooklyn Marcee, Quitman ISD; Madison Batie, Van ISD; Presley Blair, Rance Brown, Canaan Swanner and Dawson Tinney, Winnsboro ISD.
 
The deserving $1,000 VOTEC scholarship winners are: Blake Weissert, Alba-Golden ISD, Samuel Currey, Grand Saline ISD; Avery von Reyn, Quitman ISD; and.
 
Of those selected, WCEC CEO/General Manager Trey Teaff said, “Congratulations to each of these students on their achievements. Based on the outstanding field of candidates, I know our judges had a challenging time of selecting the scholarship winners. I can't wait to see how each of them will excel as they move forward."
East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar
A fun, rewarding and enriching experience
The April 20th deadline is fast approaching for students to apply for the East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS), to be held on June 20-24 at East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, TX.
 
This all-expense paid trip is available to sophomores and juniors who are attending high school in the WCEC service area. While at ETREYS students will participate in workshops, seminars and peer group activities that range from leadership development to pure entertainment. Each participating WCEC student has a chance to compete for scholarships.
 
WCEC is dedicated to the communities we serve and sending students to ETREYS is just another way to further that commitment. Students interested in applying for the program should download the 2022 ETREYS Application. Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or brought into the WCEC office.
Safety Tip of the Month
Spring Storm Safety
Beware: Spring can usher in more than April showers. From now through the summer months, thunderstorms can quickly roll in and tornadoes can touch down, most often during the afternoon and evening hours, according to researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s severe storms laboratory.

Follow these tips to keep you and your home safe when tornadoes and severe thunderstorms come your way.
  • Sign up for you local county weather alerts, or download weather apps with warning features so you'll be sure to know when bad weather is coming.
  • Unplug electronics. Avoid using electrical equipment while lightning is in the area.
  • Before the storm moves in, move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that the wind can turn into a projectile.
  • Listen to local news or National Weather Service broadcasts to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.
  • If you are in a mobile home, immediately head to a sturdy shelter. Mobile homes, even in hallways and bathroom, are not safe places to take shelter during tornadoes or other severe winds.
  • Designate a family meeting place for shelter during and after a storm. If possible, go to a small interior room or under stairs on the lowest level. Have a battery-operated weather radio handy along with emergency supplies.
  • Remember that there is no safe place outside during a severe storm. If you are caught in a storm while driving, switch on your headlights, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on, and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. If thunder and lightning are occurring, avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
  • Stay safe after a storm. Remain indoors at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
  • Stay well away from downed power lines and avoid flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity.
  • During storms, power outages are possible. Report outages quickly via the My WCEC app, texting or calling 866-415-2951.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
When streaming content, use the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Try to avoid streaming on game consoles, which use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.
 
Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating will use 25% to 30% less energy than standard equipment.