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SECO Purchases Tyler Willis’ Angus Steer at Citrus County Youth Fair

SECO Energy once again participated in the Citrus County Youth Fair & Auction. SECO Energy Vice President of Engineering Ben Brickhouse and Manager of Engineering Mike White attended the Citrus County event and bid on a number of students’ livestock. Ben reported that prices were much higher than previous years. Remaining within SECO’s allotted budget, Ben was able to purchase one steer through the buyback process and provide add-on dollars to several other students’ projects.

 

SECO was outbid three times before being able to purchase a steer belonging to Tyler Willis. Tyler is 12 years old and a member of the Ease’s Rough Riders 4-H. This is Tyler’s second year of showing a steer. The steer weighed in at 1,320 pounds and is an Angus steer. Tyler also gave a gift basket of appreciation to Ben and Mike after the purchase! Ben stated, “It is always a pleasure to interacting with the youth fair students.”

 

SECO Energy’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins is impressed with this year’s Youth Fair participants. She stated, “These students are gaining skills that are preparing them for the workforce and companies such as SECO Energy are always seeking employees who have organizational, time management, dedication, teamwork, analytical and problem-solving skills.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s community outreach efforts. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to have your bill rounded up to the nearest dollar and donate the extra pennies for worthy causes like bill payment assistance for members in need. Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Buys Citrus County Student’s Steer

Last night, Ben Brickhouse, SECO Energy’s VP of Engineering, purchased a steer on behalf of the not-for-profit electric cooperative at the Citrus County Association’s Youth Fair at the Citrus County Fairground.

 

Each year, hundreds of FFA and 4-H students are issued a comprehensive record book that involves logging the process and growth development of their animal. The record books are judged on a complete financial summary, the animal’s health record, writing prompts, letters to bidders/buyers, as well as neatness, accuracy and evidence of their work with the animal. Citrus County Ag Educational Chairman Kandi McPherson stated in a recent publication, “The Citrus County Fair believes in the value of youth exhibitor participation in all educational opportunities offered through their animal project.” By the end of the process, the students should have an understanding of the animal industry, marketing and communication skills.

 

Brickhouse stated, “I enjoy attending the youth fair because I know the preparation and sense of accomplishment builds character, develops integrity and forms work ethic which prepares students for our future workforce.” As a buyer representing SECO, Brickhouse purchased a steer from Anna Grace Budd, who showed a steer for Ease’s Rough Rider 4-H Club. The steer weighed in at 1,175 pounds.

 

Anna, an Inverness Middle School sixth grader, stated that raising her steer was more work than she ever imagined. She also said that going into the show ring for the first time made her more nervous than anything she’s ever done, but the experience was one of the most exciting she’s ever had. Anna’s father reported that this was her first year showing a steer. 

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO continues to be a proud supporter of the youth 4-H and FFA educational programs in the counties we serve. Remaining attentive to one of our seven cooperative principles – Concern for Community – we will continue to seek opportunities to support educational projects that prepare students to join the workforce. In addition to this year’s livestock program support, in May SECO will award twelve $3,000 scholarships to high school seniors enrolling in a Florida institute of higher learning. Academic achievement, financial need and other factors are considered by the judges, but participation in 4-H or FFA gives students added points. Although the deadline to apply for 2018 was March 30, I encourage students to visit our website and look for next year’s opportunity to apply.”

 

Learn more about SECO’s community outreach programs online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Sponsors Citrus County Fair Youth Livestock Show

For decades, SECO Energy has sponsored youth agriculture programs in its service area. To continue this long-held tradition, SECO’s Ben Brickhouse, Vice President of Engineering, attended the Citrus County Fair Youth Livestock Show in Inverness.

 

Students of all ages raise animals such as cows, horses, rabbits, chickens and pigs and proudly show their livestock at the Citrus County Fair Youth Livestock Show. 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from all over Citrus County compete in the livestock shows each year.

 

The Citrus County Fair is a family-friendly event in operation since the 1920s. The Fair Association’s mission is a group of volunteers who are committed to showcasing the talented youth of Citrus County and provide scholarship opportunities.

 

As SECO’s representative, Brickhouse purchased a 1,300 pound steer from 12-year-old Will Ward, a sixth grader at Inverness Middle School. Will has been a Lecanto Levi’s 4-H member for eight years and serves as club parliamentarian.  He is responsible for keeping order during meetings. Will said, “I am a SECO partner – SECO powers my family’s 4-H project.”

 

Brickhouse also purchased a 270-pound pig from Will’s sister, Grace Ward. Like her brother, Grace is also a member of the Lecanto Levi’s 4-H Club. This is Grace’s first pig she has raised and shown at the fair.

 

Brickhouse stated, “Will has participated in agriculture activities at the Citrus County Fair for years and his sister, Grace, has followed in his footsteps. Will and Grace both enjoy raising and caring for animals, and I am impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm. I’m glad SECO was able to support them in their endeavors.”

 

Visit SECO’s Community page about its community outreach programs. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Internship Candidate is 2016 SECO Scholarship Awardee

SECO Energy’s decades-long scholarship program has paid off for the cooperative and the local community. Megan Elliott, a 2016 SECO Energy scholarship awardee, has applied for a summer internship within SECO’s Operations or Engineering departments.

 

Megan graduated from Tavares High School in 2016 and served as class valedictorian. While still in high school, Megan began classes at Lake Sumter State College and earned her Associate of Arts degree before she finished high school. Megan is currently majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida and plans to settle in Central Florida after graduation to be near her parents and siblings who are SECO Energy members in the Tavares area.

 

SECO is excited to potentially welcome Megan into to the SECO family. Megan interviewed with Vice President of Operations John LaSelva and Vice President of Engineering Ben Brickhouse to determine which area of engineering will align with her skillset and future career goals. LaSelva and Brickhouse are both encouraged by the concept of an internship with an engineering focus – something that touches both of their departments. The photo makes it clear that Megan’s candidacy is important to both of the Vice Presidents.

 

Vice President of Corporate Services and Human Resources Gregg Morrell stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in participating in activities that enrich the communities it serves. Offering educational assistance and the potential for future employment opportunities brings local young people and their talents back to Central Florida. SECO looks forward to Megan qualifying and joining the team to begin her hands-on, field-training and work experience in the engineering field.”

 

Morrell added, “It is especially gratifying to watch the scholarship program come full-circle with Megan’s internship possibilities. Megan is a promising young future engineer with a bright career ahead.”

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has continued its long-standing college scholarship program for 2017. The Board has approved for up to $36,000 in college scholarships be awarded to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. There is still time for interested applicants to apply – the application deadline is March 31, 2017.

 

Visit SECO’s Scholarship program page for more details or to print an application. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.