Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of
YOUTH TOUR WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Students from across Central's service area competed in the 2021 scholarship contest Each year, Central sends two students to Washington, D.C. to take part in the Youth Tour program organized by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. Like 2020, the trip for 2021 was canceled due to Covid-19, however, Central still hosted the contest and presented scholarships to finalists. Current high school juniors going to school within Central’s service area were eligible to apply. Students submitted an essay on the importance of rural internet. Five finalists were chosen based on their essay scores. The finalists were then interviewed by a panel of judges, and two were selected as scholarship winners. The two winners, Abbi Avers, Carney High School, and Lenna Abouzahr, Stillwater High School, received $2,000
Abbi Avers
Lenna Abouzahr
scholarships in lieu of the trip. The three additional finalists, Jesse Morris, Ripley High School; Katelyn Walker, Perry High School; and Emily Massar, Stillwater High School, each received $250 scholarships.
Central would like to think our judges, Rena Hines, Meridian Technology Center; Erin Portman, International Fire Service Training Association; and Kaylee Travis, Oklahoma State University for serving as judges.
TONTZ TO RETIRE FROM BOARD District four trustee Len Tontz announced his retirement from the board of trustees at the end of his term following 17 years of service to the cooperative and its members. Dr. Len Tontz
Tontz, who joined the board in 2004, represents members in parts of Logan, Oklahoma and Payne counties. Tontz achieved the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director
Gold certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Tontz served as President of the Central board from 2008-2011. n SEE “RETIREMENT,” PAGE 4