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$36,000 in Scholarships Available from SECO Energy

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees proudly approved the 2021 SECO Scholarship Program at a recent board meeting. $36,000 in scholarships is available for 12 recipients to receive $3,000 each.

 

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are graduating in May/June 2021. Applicants must live in a home served by SECO Energy and plan to pursue a career in the energy industry. Awardees must also be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2021. Qualifying degrees or certifications are in technology, engineering, math or business.

 

The energy industry is a growing field in Florida and SECO must find new, creative ways to connect with students who could be potential employees to hire a workforce with the technical skills and training required in this competitive field. According to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently has 124,954 traditional energy workers statewide – with a large number gearing up toward retirement in the coming years. Of these energy workers, 54,283 are in electric power generation, 18,802 are in fuels and 51,869 are in transmission, distribution and energy storage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan looks forward to reading about the applicants’ career plans and accomplishments. Duncan stated, “SECO Energy and the electric industry is a great place to plant career roots. Our SECO Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that introduces us to local students pursuing a career in the growing energy industry. We hope to attract local students who want to engage with SECO for internship opportunities or as a possible future employer.”

 

Duncan continued, “Not-for-profit electric cooperatives like SECO Energy prioritize community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO offers competitive wages but we also offer a pension plan and healthy 401k match – which is a hard-to-find benefit in this day and age. In addition, SECO provides employees with high-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision coverage. It’s a great place to work, and we are an essential employer that offers a healthy balance of work and personal life with a generous paid-time-off program, student loan reimbursement and more.”

 

Applications are available online beginning January 4, 2021. Paper applications are available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers located in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville. Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

‘Tis the Season to Give – SECO Energy Donates Retired Laptops and iPads

SECO Energy broadens its commitment to its local communities by donating used retired laptops and tablets to Christmas Across South Lake, a charitable organization in Lake County dedicated to bringing a brighter Christmas to children. The donated laptops and tablets will give teenagers a Christmas gift they may not otherwise receive. This much needed equipment will help with their educational studies.

 

Christmas Across South Lake is a collaborative community Christmas project that aims to help over 1,000 children and families this holiday season with food for the families and toys for the children. According to Christmas Across South Lake volunteers, the organization has difficulty locating presents for their teens.

 

Each year, SECO Energy donates a small number of used retired laptops and tablets to community non-profit organizations within SECO’s service territory. SECO offered a small supply of recently retired laptops and tablets for the organization’s older teens who generally go without a Christmas present.

 

SECO Energy Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in its service territory. It’s our hope a few of these laptop or tablet recipients will be interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry and apply for our educational scholarship in January 2021.”

 

SECO has long supported local students through educational scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. For more than two decades, SECO has enabled over 300 young scholars to begin their dreams of a college education by awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. 2021 scholarship applications will be available on January 4, 2021, for qualifying graduating high school seniors. The application deadline is March 26, 2021.

 

For eligibility requirements and details about SECO’s Scholarship program or to print an application online, visit our
Scholarship page.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Congratulates 2020 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy is proud to congratulate its 2020 Scholarship Awardees. Each of the 12 SECO Scholarship awardees receives $3,000 in scholarship money to advance his or her education. Over the last two decades, the SECO Scholarship program has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 300 local students.

 

Awardees were required to meet eligibility criteria to qualify; however, due to COVID-19 school closures, the deadline was extended 30 days and a counselor’s signature requirement was waived. Scholars must be a high school Senior who is graduating in the current school year and lives in a home served by SECO Energy. New this year, awardees must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy field. He or she must also be seeking a degree or certification in technology, engineering, math or business and enrolled full-time in an accredited Florida college, university or trade school by the end of 2020. The 2020 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees are:

 

Tylin N. Barnard:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Chemical Engineering.

 

Cheyenne Diaz:
Vanguard High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Manufacturing Processes/Mechanical Engineering.

 

Isabella Hernandez:
East Ridge High School. Lives in Clermont. Plans to study Engineering.

 

Janiya Houston:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Quality Engineering.

 

Joseph A. LaCourse:
The Villages Charter High School. Lives in Oxford. Plans to study Engineering.

 

Cameron MacLean:
Tavares High School. Lives in Tavares. Plans to study Electrical Engineering.

 

Lucas Marden:
Tavares High School. Lives in Tavares. Plans to study Aerospace Engineering.

 

Stuart T. Palmer:
Umatilla High School. Lives in Umatilla. Plans to study Electrical Engineering.

 

Alayna Phillips:
The Villages Charter High School. Lives in Wildwood. Plans to study Business.

 

Miguel Santos:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Business/Marketing.

 

William J. Simmons:
Dunnellon High School. Lives in Dunnellon. Plans to study Electrical Distribution Technology.

 

Alexander Q. Williams:
Eustis High School. Lives in Sorrento. Plans to study Biomedical Engineering.

 

Vice President of Corporate Services and Human Resources Gregg Morrell has high hopes for SECO’s 2020 Scholarship Awardees. Morrell stated, “The 2020 SECO Scholarship awardees are an impressive group of young scholars who should be applauded for their efforts. Students with their abilities and career aspirations are what we are looking for in our future employees. Based on the students’ field of study and career goals, he or she may be eligible to apply for continuing financial support from SECO and a future opportunity to apply for a paid internship which could lead to full-time employment with SECO after graduation.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to all of our 2020 SECO Scholarship awardees. You and your families should be very proud of your accomplishments thus far. I hope that our awardees will consider SECO Energy for an internship opportunity or as a future employer when making your career plans. The energy industry is actively searching for bright, young people to fill crucial positions in order to supply American homes and businesses with the electricity they need to live and work.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO Energy offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package that includes major medical, vision and dental insurance. Another benefit that is attractive to individuals freshly out of college is our student loan repayment assistance program. SECO is a local company that is nationally recognized as a customer satisfaction leader in the energy industry.”

 

Looking for employment right now? Visit our job board on our Careers page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Supports Sumter PREP Academy Intervention Program

SECO Energy is a supporter of educational programs and initiatives. SECO recently provided funding to assist Sumter PREP Academy with its Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) bi-monthly progress monitoring breakfast meeting.

 

The breakfast meeting offers an opportunity for student advocates (district staff, Department of Juvenile Justice, Teen Court, zone-school administrators, parents and students) to discuss the academic and behavioral progress of the Academy’s students.

 

Sumter PREP Academy operates under the umbrella of Sumter County Schools. As a result of the positive behavioral intervention program, Sumter PREP Academy has reported a 93 percent success rate of students transitioning back to their zoned schools.

 

SECO Energy is an active corporate citizen and a good neighbor. The cooperative sponsors and donates to programs based on its commitment to the key cooperative principles Concern for Community and Education Training and Information. $36,000 in scholarships is available for 12 recipients in the SECO Energy 2020 Youth Scholarship Program. Graduating high school seniors interested in a career in the energy industry who live in a home served by SECO are encouraged to apply. Print an application online on our 2020 Youth Scholarship page. Completed applications due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

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

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 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 Buys Marion County Students’ Swine and Steer

Last week, Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Deputy Director for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs, purchased one steer and three swine at the Marion County Southeastern Youth Fair at the Ocala Live Stock Pavilion.

 

Each year, hundreds of students glean from the exposure they’ve received from participating in the youth fair. They learn how to care for their animals which is very evident when they step into the auction’s area seeking the highest bid from buyers. Besides seeking the highest bid, the students gain something greater – work ethic, finance and business management skills.

 

As a buyer representing SECO, Judkins purchased a steer from Riley Thoresen, a junior at Belleview High School, who showed a steer for Wild n’ Country 4-H Club that weighed in at 937 pounds. Riley plans to use her profits from the sale to continue saving for college where she hopes to become a behavioral analyst.

 

Later in the week, Judkins purchased two pigs from Dunnellon High School Future Farmers of America (FFA). Christen Adams’ pig weighed 252 pounds and Barry Duncan’s pig weighed 225 pounds. A third pig was purchased from Cassidy Clarke, a SECO member and a senior at Belleview High School, who showed a 236-pound pig for the Wild n’ Country 4-H Club. Fighting back tears, Clarke stated, “I’ve been showing pigs for twelve consecutive years, and I’m going to miss it. This year’s swine auction will help me with my college funding. My love for animals will continue because I’ve been accepted into Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton Georgia where I plan to major in Pre-Professional Biology and then transfer to a Veterinary Science Program.”

 

Judkins stated, “The youth fair gives students an introduction to agriculture and animals that they may never receive otherwise. For decades, SECO continues to be a proud supporter of the students in rural agriculture programs. From an educational standpoint, these students are learning valuable skills that will prepare them for remarkable careers.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO’s participation in youth livestock programs in the counties we serve also helps the cooperative identify and encourage students whose homes are served by SECO to apply for the scholarship program. This year, 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. I encourage these students to visit our website and apply today because the submission deadline is March 30.”

 

Visit our Community page 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.

$2500 in Back-To-School Funds for Sumter County Schools

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, Sumter County School District is receiving $2,500 to enrich back-to-school activities in Sumter County.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves almost 60,000 members in Sumter County, and we know the school district will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Key Accounts Consultant Ryon Meyers presented the $2,500 check to the Sumter County School Board during its board meeting on Tuesday. School Board President Richard Shirley graciously thanked SECO for its contribution to the District’s back-to-school events.

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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

$500 in Back-To-School Funds for The Villages Charter School

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, The Villages Charter School is receiving $500 to enrich back-to-school activities for the school.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves over 45,000 members in The Villages, and we know the school will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Dr. Gary Lester and Dr. Randy McDaniel of The Villages Charter School Board gave a special recognition to SECO and our Board of Trustees member Richard Belles during Thursday’s Board Meeting.

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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