2026 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.

Sadie Abbitt is the daughter of Jason and Robbyn Abbitt. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend Miami University to major in chemical engineering and environmental sciences after graduation. Sadie’s favorite extracurricular activity in high school was marching band. After college, she would like to do field research in water treatment.

As the recipient of the Michael L. Sims Scholarship from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Sadie will receive $2,500 each year of her college career for up to four years. She 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.

Morgan Holmes is the daughter of Adam and Valerie Holmes. She is graduating from Ross High School and will attend Miami University to major in finance. Her favorite extracurricular activity in high school was cross country because it was a great opportunity to be competitive while creating a strong bond with teammates. After college, Morgan plans to begin her career in finance by joining an established firm where she can grow her skills in wealth management and investing. 

Morgan 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.

Danielle Schulte is the daughter of Lisa and Steve Schulte. She is graduating from Ross High Schooland will attend college to major in nursing. Danielle’s favorite extracurricular activity was serving on the Youth Philanthropy Committee, for which she helped review applications and award $50,000 in grants to local youth‑focused nonprofits, eventually serving as vice president her senior year. After college, Danielle hopes to start her career in pediatric nursing and eventually pursue higher education to become a nurse practitioner.

Danielle 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.

Brayden Kidd is the son of Amy and Savalas Kidd. He is homeschooled and will attend Cedarville University to major in mechanical engineering. His favorite extracurricular activity in high school is basketball. In college, Brayden is looking forward to learning more about mechanical engineers and what they do. After college, he plans to start his own business.

Brayden received the Community Achievement Scholarship because he is heavily involved in the community and passionate about improving the quality of life in our service territory.

Addison Roller is the daughter of Lydia and Stephen Roller. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She intends to receive a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Addison’s favorite extracurricular activity in high school was being heavily involved in FFA. In college, she is most looking forward to furthering her education in a field that she is passionate about and gaining new and rewarding relationships. After college, Addison plans to be a labor and delivery nurse at a local hospital or a travel nurse working around the world. Addison was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.

Sadie Van Gorden is the daughter of Amanda and Zack Van Gorden. She is graduating from Talawanda High School and will attend a trade school after graduation to become a welder. Sadie’s favorite extracurricular activities in high school were FFA and track.

Sadie 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.

Bryce Wortman is the son of Amber and Lewis Willeford. He is graduating from Talawanda High School and plans to attend Miami University to major in theater and arts management with dance and musical theater minors. In high school, Bryce’s favorite extracurricular activity was marching band and drama club. In college, he is looking forward to receiving the education that will pave the way for his passion in life and also making a lot of new friends. After college, Bryce plans to move to Boston, Massachusetts, with hopes to begin his journey with professional theater. Bryce was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.

Max Abdin is the son of Anna Abdin. He is graduating from William Henry Harrison High School and will attend college to major in mechanical engineering. His favorite extracurricular activity in high school was lacrosse. Max most looks forward to living on his own and meeting new people during college. After college, he plans to travel to many places around the world. Max was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative delegate on the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.