2023 Southeast Electric scholarship recipients

 

Elianna Brost

Submitted By Southeast Electric Cooperative

Billy Etbauer's arena record ride at the 2003 NFR; Rosa Parks' bus boycott; the building of the Egyptian Pyramids in 2550 BC, these are just a few of the many topics that students found to write about for the Southeast Electric essay scholarships, making the decision very difficult for the scholarship committee.

The question asked was, "If you could witness one historical moment firsthand, what would it be and why?" Civil and Political Rights for Women, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, and the electrification of rural America were other historical moments chosen by our applicants. In the end, the committee chose Heidi LaBree to be this year's recipient of the $1,000 scholarship.

LaBree chose to write about the 1936 Olympics. She wrote that the Olympics were set to be held in Berlin and Hitler was not happy. Many countries questioned whether or not to participate. The United States decided to compete in the games, but benched two Jewish athletes and replaced them with African American athletes.

LaBree wrote about Jesse Owens, one of the African American athletes who went on to win the gold medal in the 100 meter, 200 meter and long jump events. Owens also helped his team win the 4x100 meter relay. He returned to the United States with no recognition from the president while his fellow white teammates were invited to the White House.

LaBree stated, "To be able to witness these moments in history would be life changing. To catch people supporting a man despite race, religion, and ethnicity during this time would be profound." She is the daughter of Lee and Cam LaBree of Ekalaka.

Heidi LaBree

Each year the applicants for the Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship are asked what challenges rural electric cooperatives will face in the coming years and how those challenges should be addressed.

This year Elianna Brost's essay caught the attention of the scholarship committee. Brost stated that "cooperatives are grappling with the effects of severe economic downturn and that the future holds further challenges regarding movement of members from rural areas to more populated areas, additional regulations and higher demand from advancements in technology."

Brost believes electric cooperatives can help by keeping a constant and reliable supply of electricity and supporting cleaner renewable energy. Brost will use the $1,000 scholarship to help further her education at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is the daughter of Denise Norton and Jake Brost.

 

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