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One Lucky Student Will Win an
Action Packed Trip to D.C.
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ONE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT from Wood County Electric Cooperative's nine-county service territory can win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., by applying now! This trip, called the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, is a youth leadership program sponsored by WCEC and organized by Texas Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The trip is June 6-15. To be eligible, applicants must be a current high school junior or senior and be a permanent resident within WCEC's service territory and cooperative members.
About 125 high school students and chaperones from across Texas will spend more than a week together immersed in what past participants have called a memorable and life changing experience. The Texas delegates begin the trip with a full day in Austin, which includes a guided tour of the Texas Capitol, a picnic on the Capitol grounds and a visit to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Then this group jets off to Washington, D.C., to meet with more than 1,700 fellow delegates from other states for a jam-packed trip of a lifetime!
Highlights of the D.C. visit include meeting congressional leaders, and visiting numerous national monuments and historic sites such as the
Supreme Court and Library of Congress, Washington National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution and Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Jefferson, Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials, the Vietnam, World War II and Korean memorials and the Washington Monument.
To apply, candidates should download the official application at wcec.org under the Community tab and
submit a 450 to 500 word essay (about 1 typed page). This will be judged by an independent panel. This year's topic is "My Cooperative and What it Brings to the Region."
Be creative and have fun. WCEC powers lives to include necessities and conveniences. In 1938, the founders of WCEC could not have dreamed of the possibilities. Just look at all the things electricity powers - convenience, necessity, fun and just plain comfort. Have fun as you think about and describe how WCEC Powers the lives around you.
2018 Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be an area high school student enrolled as a junior or senior.
- Be a dependent of a WCEC member.
- Have permanent resident status in WCEC's service territory.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Qualified entries must arrive at WCEC by 11:59 p.m., February 21, 2018
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$6,000 Awarded to Non-Traditional Adult Learners
We are pleased to announce the 3 scholarship winners in the Power Upward Scholarship contest. This program is for non-traditional adult learners pursuing post-secondary education. Each winner applied with an essay
describing their decision to continue their field of study and future goals. The winners, selected by an independent judge, are:
Kristi Beech, Quitman; Amy Jeffreys, Hawkins; and Jessica Smith, Quitman.
Beech, an administrative assistant at Yantis ISD, is the mother of two. She also coaches the cross-country teams at both the Yantis High and Jr. High Schools. She enjoys competing in distance running and cycling events. She is currently enrolled at Texas A&M University in Commerce, where she is pursing her B
achelors of Applied Arts and Science in Organizational Leadership. Upon completion, she'll pursue her teaching certificate and then she plans to teach or work in a business setting.
Jeffreys, a photographer and graphic designer, also works as a chemistry research assistant at UT Tyler, where she is pursuing a
dual-degree, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (Psychology emphasis). When not working and attending class, she enjoys reading, camping and developing a self-sustaining homestead. During her studies, Jeffreys was recently awarded the 2017 Undergraduate award in Analytical Chemistry for the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry. Upon completion of her Bachelors she has plans to pursue her PhD in Chemistry.
Smith is a
health and wellness business owner and the mother of three. She is a personal trainer, running coach, and certified nutritionist. She also serves on the Quitman ISD's Health Advisory Board, and in her spare time she enjoys training for marathons. She is attending North East Texas Community College with the goal of earning an Associates degree in Human Performance, which dovetails with her current business. After graduation she plans to use her degree to offer services in corporate wellness and fitness programs for elementary aged children.
Of the winners,
WCEC CEO/General Manager Debbie Robinson said, "All of these adult students are already highly contributing members of the communities they live and work in. They are an inspiration to others. It will be extremely rewarding to see them achieve their goals, and then watch as they put their education to use in even greater ways."
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Safety Tips
Space Heater Safety
When used properly, electric space heaters can help keep you warm and toasty during cold winter months. While selecting a space heater to supplement your home's heating system, some rules of thumb to apply include purchasing a safety-certified model and reading the included instructions. Some safety tips for space heaters are:
- Keep units 3 ft. away from combustible materials such as bedding, drapes, clothes, and rugs.
- Avoid using space heaters in areas that contain flammable liquids such as kerosene or gasoline as some heaters can spark.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it's the correct type and size for your particular space heater.
- Check safety instructions before using a space heater around water. Some models are not intended for use in bathrooms.
- Be sure children are supervised around space heaters. Curious exploration can lead to electrical shock and burns.
- Unplug and store all space heaters in a safe place when you're not using them.
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Energy Efficiency Tips
Looking for an easy way to make your home cozy? Try using an area rug to increase the insulation levels of your floors. Area rugs are stylish and can keep cool air from entering through your floors. Your toes will thank you!
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