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$36,000 in Scholarships Available from SECO Energy

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has once again approved $36,000 in 2019 scholarships to support local students looking to fulfill their quest for a higher education. SECO has provided over $500,000 in scholarships to area students during the program’s 20-year tenure.

 

The Cooperative will award up to 12 local high school students a $3,000 scholarship toward their education at an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida. To be considered, applicants must live in a home served by SECO and must graduate in the 2019 school year (May/June). Awardees must be enrolled full time by the end of 2019 to receive the scholarship disbursement.

 

Scholarship awards are based on scholastic achievements, community service and financial need as well as an interest in pursuing a career in the energy field. An independent group of educators from within SECO’s service area evaluates all applicants and determines the winners.

 

CEO Jim Duncan encourages area high school seniors to apply stating, “We are happy to continue SECO’s scholarship program in 2019. SECO embraces educational initiatives, especially ones that may lead to future energy industry careers. In addition to scholarships, SECO has formed a partnership with Dunnellon High School assisting students in its Power Generation Academy. We talk to students of all ages about careers at SECO when attending career fairs.”

 

Duncan added, “Our communities are full of bright, talented young men and women who are looking for stable employment close to their hometowns with benefits and competitive compensation. We hope that our scholarship winners will choose to apply for a position at SECO as they begin their career.”

 

Scholarship applications are available beginning January 2 at SECO’s Member Service Centers or on our Scholarship page. Students can also pick up an application at their local high school guidance counselors’ offices.

 

Mail completed applications to: SECO Energy Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585-0301. SECO must receive the completed application by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Winners will be notified by phone or letter on or before April 26. The awards banquet is scheduled for May 20, 2019.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.

SECO Energy Congratulates 2018 Scholarship Awardees

May 1, 2018 – SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operating for the benefit of its members. As a member-focused cooperative, SECO is committed to delivering reliable, safe, affordable power to its members and focuses on community enrichment.

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees first approved the scholarship program for local students in 1996. In the twenty years since inception, SECO’s scholarship program has awarded almost $600,000 in scholarship monies to 281 young scholars residing in SECO’s service area.

 

This year’s SECO scholarship recipients are a class of bright, ambitious, hard-working students who are concentrated on achieving their goals. SECO’s 2018 Scholarship Program awardees are:

 

Jahmani Walter Beckford, Groveland, is graduating from Real Life Christian Academy.
Eunice Garcia Ceballos, Ocala, is graduating from Belleview High School.
Chelsea Chapa, Eustis, is graduating from Mount Dora High School.
Kaylie Rae Fields, Umatilla, is graduating from Umatilla High School.
Jasmine Renee Gee, Ocala, is graduating from West Port High School.
Odalis Lora, Astatula, is graduating from Tavares High School.
Moriah Martin, Bushnell, is graduating from South Sumter High School.
Luz Elena Mata, Summerfield, is graduating Belleview High School.
Corinne Ross, Tavares, is graduating from Tavares High School.
Ashlyn Paige Saunders, Ocklawaha, is graduating from Belleview High School.
Stephen Ngozi Unamaka, Clermont, is graduating from East Ridge High School.
Katelin Vaughn, Belleview, is graduating from Belleview High School.

 

President and District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield is looking forward to meeting this year’s scholarship recipients. Hatfield stated, “As a former Lake County educator, I know first-hand our local schools are filled with students who desire an education beyond high school. This desire is sometimes hampered by limited financial resources. SECO’s Scholarship Program offers students monetary assistance to help them achieve their goals of a further education and a future career.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan believes the SECO Scholarship Program could be a first step to a successful career path, possibly with SECO. Duncan stated, “A career path with SECO Energy may be a good fit for some of our scholarship recipients. SECO is centrally located near their hometowns and several metropolitan areas in Central Florida. We hire a host of high-skilled, high-wage positions that include a robust benefits package with generous paid-time-off, medical coverage, dental and vision coverage. An additional benefit that may be particularly interesting to younger potential employees is our student loan repayment assistance program.”

 

Duncan continued, “The energy industry is growing and with that growth are new technologies and new career opportunities. SECO is a growing cooperative that needs highly skilled employees to keep up with the latest industry trends and available technology.”

 

SECO will host a celebratory event for the 2018 scholarship recipients and their families at its headquarters on May 21, 2018.

 

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

SECO Buys FFA and 4-H Pigs at Lake County Fair

On Saturday, April 17, Jerry Hatfield, District 9 Board of Trustee and Kathy Judkins, Deputy Director for Civic, Charitable & Government Affairs, purchased four pigs on behalf of the not-for-profit electric cooperative at the Lake County Fair.

 

Hundreds of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H students throughout Lake County enthusiastically participate in the fair’s animal shows. The students’ journey to raising an animal for these shows requires budgeting decisions, dietary needs, pre-show preparation and a host of other management skills. The day of the shows, students must dress professionally and demonstrate they can manage their animal during the showing process for potential buyers. The skills earned through this tedious but rewarding process prepares these students for successful careers as adults.

 

As buyers representing SECO, Hatfield and Judkins purchased a pig from G.R.I.T.S. 4-H Club weighing in at 278-pounds. SECO also purchased from Morgan Allen who showed a 282-pound pig for the Okahumpka 4-H Club. A third pig was purchased from Makenzie Dunn of Lake County Explorers 4-H Club. Her pig weighed in at 273 pounds. Makenzie is a sixth grader at The Villages Charter Schools. The fourth pig purchase of the evening was from the Altoona Eagles 4-H Club and shown by Shelby Modisette, a fifth grader at Altoona Eagle Elementary School. This is Modisette’s first year showing a pig. Her pig, named Little Man, weighed in at 260 pounds.

 

Hatfield stated, “Attending the fair on Saturday brought back fond memories of when I was a principal with Lake County Schools. I’m so proud I can continue to support these fine students as a Trustee on the SECO Energy Board. I know first-hand the positive difference FFA and 4-H organizations make on students’ personal development, management and leadership skills. The showing event is just a glimpse of the work these students really put into the success of their animal project.”

 

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.”

 

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

SECO Scholarship Deadline Approaching

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. The application deadline is March 31, 2017.

 

Students from area high schools will compete for twelve (12) $3,000 scholarships to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school. To qualify, students must be a graduating high school senior, live in a home serviced by SECO, and plan to be enrolled as a full-time student in the fall.

 

The SECO Scholarship program began in 1996 and has granted over $500,000 to local students who dream of a college education. Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle, and as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting its members and communities by providing financial assistance to aspiring scholars.

 

SECO News, January 2017 - SECO Scholars Deadlines

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Central Florida is full of smart, talented young people who are growing into the leaders of tomorrow. We want to entice these talented folks to return to the area and hopefully be interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry. I am proud that SECO is an advocate for education and academia.”

 

Ray Vick, Board of Trustees President, stated, “The Board is proud to continue its service to our communities by sponsoring students who want to further their education. On behalf of myself and the Board, we are excited to meet the newest crop of SECO scholars at the winners’ banquet that is held in May.”

 

Visit SECO’s Scholarship 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.

SECO News, January 2017

SECO News, January 2017 - Toys for Tots and United Way

 

Duncan’s Digest: Toys for Tots and United Way

 

The Christmas spirit was upon us all as we participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. SECO’s employees helped me load hundreds of toys, donated by employees and members, for local children.

 

Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. As a Marine myself before my hair turned gray, I know thatToys forTots is a special program for children in need. Hundreds of children will wake up to Christmas presents under the tree, thanks to the generosity of our employees and members.

 

SECO News, January 2017 - Toys for Tots and United Way

 

During SECO’s 2017 United Way campaign, employees opened their checkbooks and donated generously. SECO employees pledged $50,171 for United Way’s campaign for local communities.

 

United Way improves the quality of life for millions of people. I am grateful to work with employees who have the power and goodwill to improve the communities we serve. SECO employees are a generous bunch of folks, and their efforts are applauded.

 

From my family to yours, I wish you a healthy, Happy New Year!

 

SECO News, January 2017 - New Year, New Efficiency Tool

 

New Year, New Efficiency Tool

 

Happy New Year! What are your resolutions this year? Start off on the right foot with SECO’s new online Energy Estimator tool.

 

The estimator helps members understand the amount and cost of the energy that appliances, lighting, and other electronics use in their home. It calculates your monthly refrigeration costs, the price for each load of laundry, the annual amount of energy your oven uses and more. Submit your results and within minutes you will receive an email comparing your usage to the average Central Florida household and tips to save energy and money.

 

SECO has three great prizes up for grabs for members who explore the Energy Estimator and increase their energy efficiency IQ. After completing the Energy Estimator and emailing your results, your name will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit, a package of energy efficiency tools that includes a $100 Lowe’s gift card, and a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat. Winners will be notified via email on February 16.

 

Make a resolution to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bill. Here’s to an Energy Efficient New Year!

 

SECO News, January 2017 - Protection Begins at the Meter

 

Protection Begins at the Meter

 

Today’s appliances are sensitive to power surges caused by lightning, accidents, animals and more. Surges can cause catastrophic damage or degrade appliance circuitry over time.

 

Protection begins at the meter. SECO’s meter base surge arrester reduces most surges to a safe level before they enter your home. The arrestor helps protect large motor appliances like the air conditioner, washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.

 

Beat the upcoming storm season rush and subscribe to SECO’s meter-based surge protection by February 15 for a chance to win a $100 Lowe’s gift card. All SECO members currently enrolled in SECO’s surge protection are also eligible to win.

 

Enroll online or call us at (800) 732-6141. A random winner will be chosen February 15.

 

SECO News, January 2017 - Does a Fireplace Save Energy?

 

Does a Fireplace Save Energy?

 

Wood burning fireplaces provide a soothing ambience and warmth, but can actually increase your energy usage. Fireplaces pull oxygen and heat from other areas within the home. Approximately 30% of heat goes up the chimney, creating a drop in temperature, prompting your central heating unit to cycle more frequently.

 

Installing glass doors or a fireback can increase your fireplace’s efficiency. Glass doors act as a barrier to reduce the amount of indoor air escaping through the chimney. In the summer, glass doors help prevent warm air from entering into your home. Firebacks are decorative, cast iron plates that when placed at the back of the fireplace absorb heat and radiate it back into the room.

 

Although glass doors and firebacks may improve a fireplace’s efficiency, your best course of action is to use your fireplace when it’s just a little chilly and forgo operating your central heating unit during that time. Learn more about SECO’s products and services and energy savings online.

 

SECO News, January 2017 - SECO Scholars

 

SECO Scholars

 

For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships – launching young scholars on their path to a college education. Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors.

 

To be eligible, the student must:

  • Reside in a home served by SECO.
  • Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
  • Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
  • Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

 

Applications are available beginning January 4, at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

 

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31. Applications may be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

 

SECO Energy<br\>Attn: Youth Scholarship<br\>330 South U.S. Highway 301<br\>Sumterville,FL 33585-0301

 

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28. Learn more about SECO’s scholarship program online or call (352) 569-9561.

 

Read the full January 2017 SECO News here.

 

Students Vie for $36,000 in SECO Scholarships

Annually, SECO Energy offers graduating high school seniors, who reside in its service area, the chance to compete for a $3,000 college scholarship.

 

Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors. For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is proud to have a hand in launching hundreds of young scholars on their path to a college education.

 

To be eligible, student must:

 

  • Reside in a home served by SECO.
  • Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
  • Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
  • Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and what better way to connect with the communities we serve than through scholarship awards. SECO helps young citizens embark on their college careers and lightens the financial load for their parents who are our members. I hope they bring their new-found knowledge and skills back to the area and seek future employment with SECO.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick, stated, “I have served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for over 35 years, and I am so happy to have a hand in continuing SECO’s scholarship program for the last 20 years. On behalf of the entire Board, we are very proud of SECO’s community outreach programs and its strong corporate citizenship ties to the communities it serves.”

 

An independent panel of educators from SECO’s service territory evaluates all applicants and selects each year’s winners. Scholarship selections are based on past and present achievements in school, community service, financial need and scholastic records.

 

The scholarship application period begins January 1, 2017. Applications will be available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

 

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31, 2017. Applications can be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

 

SECO Energy

Attn: Youth Scholarship

330 South Hwy 301

Sumterville, FL  33585-0301

 

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28, 2017. For additional questions, visit SECO’s scholarship page or call Eneida Robaina at (352) 569-9561.

 

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