Homer Electric Association, Inc. (HEA) Announces Scholarships Available for High School Seniors and Returning Students Apply by April 3 at 5:00 PM
Homer Electric announces its new scholarship programs named after former employees and influential community members and extends the deadline to apply to April 3, 2023. HEA was formed when nine Homer pioneers banded together in 1947 with the goal of turning on the lights for the Kenai Peninsula. HEA celebrates the life and legacy left by our founders, employees and members by naming scholarships in their name each year.
To celebrate our distinguished pioneers, each year HEA will award scholarships to students, in each of its districts, named after influential employees and a community member that have impacted the cooperative or the Kenai Peninsula in a meaningful way. HEA’s 2023 scholarships honor Sandra Ghormley, the Hatfield men and James “Hobo Jim” Varsos.
HEA is proud to support our communities by investing in tomorrow’s leaders through its scholarship program. The HEA Board of Directors recently expanded HEA’s scholarship policy to provide opportunities to include a more diverse student population. Under HEA’s updated scholarship policy, HEA will fund trade or apprenticeship scholarships in addition to continuing to award traditional academic scholarships, and scholarships for adults wishing to continue their education. Winners will be selected based on the merits of the applicant and a demonstration that the applicant is committed to their school and community.
The Sandra Ghormley Academic Excellence Scholarship is available for students that excel academically and shine a light in their community. The Sandra Ghormley Academic Excellence Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Sandra Ghormley, who worked for HEA for 18 years as the Manager of Member Services. Sandra embodied the cooperative spirit through her dedication to the membership with a smile, her forward thinking and innovative mentality, and her larger-than-life personality. She was passionate about mentoring and was an inspiration to all.
The Hatfield Memorial Scholarship for the Trades is available for students pursuing a trade, vocation or apprenticeship program. The 2023 Hatfield Trade Scholarship, named in honor of three HEA linemen, Fred Hatfield and his sons, Frank Hatfield and John Hatfield. Together the Hatfield men served as linemen at HEA for a combined 23 years. The Hatfield linemen took calls at all hours of the day and night, rushing out in the rain, snow, sleet and sunshine to make sure the lights stayed on for their community. It has been said that linemen show up anywhere, anytime, in any storm and the Hatfield men exemplified this proud legacy as linemen at HEA.
The Hobo Jim Returning Student Scholarship honors a community member that has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the Kenai Peninsula. This year’s Returning Student Scholarship honors James Varsos, known by the stage name Hobo Jim. Hobo Jim was an Alaskan folk singer-songwriter. He was one of the most popular guitar players in Alaska, playing frequently at small venues across the Kenai Peninsula (and Alaska) weekly until he passed. Hobo Jim’s music captured the essence of the Alaskan pioneering spirit that has come to define the Kenai Peninsula. Hobo Jim’s song “I am Alaska” has been licensed for use by HEA and we are proud to honor his community and pioneering legacy by naming the 2023 Returning Student Scholarship after Hobo Jim.
The deadline for submitting all HEA scholarship applications has been extended to 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 3, 2023. Applicants can apply online at https://www.homerelectric.com/my-cooperative/community-outreach/scholarships/. Submission can also be made by mail or via personal delivery to the Homer or Kenai offices. For more information, please contact Keriann Baker at (907) 435-7734 or prteam@homerelectric.com.
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