At Union Power Cooperative, we’re dedicated to enriching our communities and empowering the next generation. As part of our commitment to building a brighter future, each year, we award 10 $1,000 college scholarships to graduating high school seniors from our service territory who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and strong involvement in their communities. Congratulations to this year’s recipients who have made remarkable impacts in their school and local community and are helping to build a brighter future.

Abbey Ross

Abbey graduated from Union Academy Charter School with a 4.4 GPA. Beyond her academic achievements, she has found a passion for music and has decided to study music therapy at either Queens University or East Carolina. Music has always been an integral part of Abbey’s life, and she looks forward to the various paths it will take her.

Megan Jones

Megan graduated from Porter Ridge High School with a 4.2 GPA. She is enrolled in the Gateway to Wingate, a partnership between Wingate University and South Piedmont Community College (SPCC). She plans to obtain an associate’s degree in Art and transfer to Wingate to pursue a degree in History. Her ultimate goal is to get a master’s in Museum Studies and work as a curator.

Lorelei Stanley

Lorelei graduated from Union Academy Charter School with a 4.4 GPA. She plans to study Nursing at Queens University. Lorelei has shown determination and commitment in her academic career. Instead of graduating early junior year, she continued to push herself academically, taking eight college-level courses while managing her work and involvement in the community. Through her achievements, she has become a dedicated young lady who will continue striving for her future commitments.

Reece Dobro

Reece graduated from Marvin Ridge High School with a 4.5 GPA. He plans to study Computer Science at NC State to get his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer engineering and become a computer hardware engineer in consumer electronics, working on the latest products and innovations. For Reece, technology has always been a passion and a fundamental part of who he is.

Isabela Hoechster

Isabela graduated from Cuthbertson High School with a 4.3 GPA. She will attend NC State to study STEM and biomedical engineering. Isabela’s specific interest is in prosthetics, as it combines her love for science, math, and design. In addition to her academic pursuits, she volunteers at the Mitey Riders Therapeutic Riding for Kids, Millbridge High School Teen Council, and tutors middle school students at Cuthbertson.

Trey Hinson

Trey graduated from Piedmont High School with a 4.5 GPA. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at Appalachian State and hopes to use his degree as a Detective, Special Agent, or Lawyer in his local community. Trey was the founder of the school Chess Club and a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Break the Silence. He has also been a dedicated wrestler since middle school and has won many awards for his wrestling skills and strengths.

Nicholas Carelli

Nicholas graduated from Cuthbertson High School with a 4.6 GPA. He plans to double major in Business and Environmental Science at UNC Chapel Hill. Nicholas was a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) organization and was the vice president of competition. He has also participated in Beta Club, the National English and Science Honor Societies, and Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society).

Olivia Averett

Olivia graduated from Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School with a 4.8 GPA. She received her associate’s degree in Applied Science and will major in Exercise Science on the pre-med track to obtain a Doctorate of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill. By earning her associate’s degree early, Olivia shortened her undergraduate time. She hopes to gain more experience and knowledge, which will benefit her career plans of creating her team of dance medicine specialists.

Federico Smith

Federico graduated from Cuthbertson High School with a 4.5 GPA. He plans to attend Wake Forest to study Biomedical Engineering, focusing on tissue engineering. Federico was involved in various clubs, including the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Principals Advisory Council, and The Young Men’s Service League, where he served as the president. In addition to his achievements, he volunteered at a local food pantry and at Camp SOAR, a summer camp for special needs.

Matthew Golden

Matthew graduated from Independence High School with a 4.6 GPA. Throughout his academic journey, he was actively involved in the school’s Academy of Engineering program, where he developed leadership skills and served as an AOE Ambassador. Because of this program, he has decided to study Computer Science at NC State.