2025 Scholarship Recipients

2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Education is the building block of a strong community. That’s why we offer scholarships for high school students whose parents are cooperative members. We hope these scholarships prepare the recipients for leadership roles in our community. 

CADEN SPARKS is the son of Delmer Sparks. He is graduating from Edgewood High School and will attend Ohio Northern University to major in mechanical engineering with an aerospace concentration. Caden has enjoyed building relationships through various extracurricular activities in high school such as football, DECA, and Best Buddies. He also worked at Butterfield’s Farm Market. After college, Caden would like to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer. 

As the recipient of the Michael L. Sims Scholarship from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Caden will receive $2,500 each year of his college career for up to four years. He will compete for up to $4,600 in additional scholarships from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. Michael L. Sims was Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s general manager who retired in 2020 after working at the cooperative for 44 years. 

VANESSA HOWARD is the daughter of Cindy and Paul Howard. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and plans to attend Miami University to major in animal science with plans to become a veterinarian. Vanessa is the Free Range 4-H Club vice president and is involved in drama club and marching band. She was also a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the 2024 Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. 

Vanessa is the recipient of the cooperative’s $3,000 Thomas Humbach Scholarship. Thomas Humbach was Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s attorney from 1983 until his retirement in 2021. 

LAUREN DYSERT is the daughter of Andrea and Joseph Dysert. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend Miami University to study biochemistry and environmental science. Lauren’s favorite extracurricular activity is playing the violin and her favorite part of high school was being a journalist for the Talawanda Tribune student newspaper. She is also involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the Talawanda High School String Orchestra. Lauren works at Dunkin’ Donuts and has job shadowed with the Butler County Democrats organization. 

Lauren is the recipient of the $3,000 R. Fred Woodruff Scholarship from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. R. Fred Woodruff was the cooperative’s first attorney. He was hired by the board of trustees shortly after graduating from the University of Cincinnati’s law school in 1938 and retired in 1983. 

NATHAN GREEN is the son of Jennifer and Jonathan Green. He is graduating from Ross High School and will attend Miami University’s Farmer School of Business to major in entrepreneurship and economics. Nathan is involved in marching band and concert band, swim team, tennis, and DECA. He also owns his own window cleaning business and works as a lifeguard. 

ADDISON GREENE is the daughter of Andrew and Jessica Greene. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend Miami University to major in mathematics. Addison’s favorite part of high school was making new friends and participating in all of the band programs offered by Talawanda. She is involved in Girl Scouts, marching band, jazz band, and steel band. Addison works at Woodland Country Manor Nursing Home and Enjoy Oxford Visitor’s Bureau. 

SARA PETRI is the daughter of Andy and Susan Petri. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend Aveda Fredric’s Institute to study cosmetology. Sara plans to work at a local salon after graduation to further her career in cosmetology. Her favorite extracurricular activities in high school are FFA and cheerleading. Sara is also involved in 4-H and FCCLA. She was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the 2024 Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C., and works at Arby’s. 

Sara is the recipient of the cooperative’s $1,500 Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship, which is awarded to a high school senior who is attending a technical college or trade school after graduation. 

LUCIANNA BOWLING is the daughter of Amy Kuhl-Bowling and Michael Bowling. She is graduating from Ross High School and will attend the University of Alabama to major in chemistry with plans to continue her education and pursue a career in the medical field. Lucianna’s favorite extracurricular activity in high school is playing on the tennis team. She is also a DECA member, is the student council class of 2025 treasurer, and is involved in Legacy Show Choir and Pure Harmony Choir. Lucianna was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the 2024 Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. She works at Stricker’s Grove and babysits. 

MADELYN BROWN is the daughter of Jeremy and Summer Brown. She is graduating from Edgewood High School and will attend Miami University to major in political science. Madelyn is involved in track and field, cross country, and student council. She works at Spring Street Treats and LaRosa’s. After college, Madelyn would like to pursue a career in government and administration and would like to work for state or federal politicians.