At Union Power, we believe in making an impact in our local communities, and we are committed to enriching the lives of our youth through education – that’s why each year, we award high school seniors with scholarships to accredited North Carolina universities and community colleges.
These scholarships help students with the cost of furthering their education; and with an emphasis on financial need, academic achievement, and volunteer/extracurricular experience, we’re awarding those who have made a significant impact in their schools and local communities.
This year, we will be awarding 10, $1,000 scholarships to the following students:
Shawn An, Cabarrus County
Shawn is a graduate of Gray Stone Day School, with a 3.9 GPA. He will attend Davidson College as a pre-medical student in the fall with hopes of becoming a neurologist. He is a member of the school’s National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society chapters, as well as a recipient of the Capstone Award.
Brinly Denton, Mecklenburg County
Brinly is a graduate of Independence High School, with a 4.2 GPA, who will attend Queens University of Charlotte. Upon attending college in the fall, she plans to major in biochemistry with hopes of becoming a veterinarian. Her passion for helping people and animals can be seen throughout her involvement as an AP Ambassador and participation in the Key Club and Paws to Read.
Donna Han, Union County
Donna is a graduate of Sun Valley High School, with a 4.5 GPA. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She plans to major in biology or public health with hopes of becoming a dermatologist. Throughout her years of high school, she’s devoted herself to academics, helping out the community, and taking on leadership opportunities including Student Council, AP Academy of Leadership and Success, and the National Honor Society.
Emma Hinson, Stanly County
Emma is a graduate of Stanly Early College High School, with a 3.3 GPA. Emma will attend Gardner-Webb University and major in Communications & Graphic Design. She has a passion for the arts and is a member of the National Honor Society, Stanly County Youth Leadership, and Tigers for Christ. She also received the SEC Top Tiger Award in biology.
Michelle Isaac, Union County
Michelle is a graduate of Porter Ridge High School, with a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Appalachian State University where she plans to major in Communication Science & Disorders. Michelle has a heart for helping children and hopes to become a speech pathologist, helping children who struggle with communication. She is a reading buddy volunteer at her local library and a math tutor. She also serves in leadership roles in the Junior Classical League (president) and the school’s marching band.
Anna Mann, Cabarrus County
Anna is a graduate of Cabarrus Tech Early College, with a 4.6 GPA, who will attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has a love for sports and caring for others, so she is considering a future career in physical therapy. Through her early college experience, she became a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She also participates in numerous extracurricular activities including intramural games, gymnastics, and dance.
Sam Merritt, Union County
Sam is a graduate of Cuthbertson High School, with a 4.2 GPA, who will attend North Carolina State University to major in Marine Sciences. He hopes to address societal issues through his education and work in biology and enjoys helping others. Sam is most proud of his volunteer experience with Take-On-Sports where he helps mentally and physically disabled children work on their social and motor skills through the game of baseball. He is also involved in the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and the National Science Honor Society.
Quinrose Mvuri, Union County
Quinrose is a graduate of Forest Hills High School, with a 3.6 GPA, who plans to become a pre-medical student upon entering college in the fall. She is a member of Student Council, serving as the senior class secretary, and is a part of the Beta Club and Science Club.
Victoria Riabtseva, Union County
Victoria is a graduate of Porter Ridge High School, with a 4.2 GPA. Upon attending college, she plans to pursue a path in science and research. She has excelled in academics while also being a dedicated member of the marching band and tennis team. Through her commitment, she was named as the highest ranking tennis player for both her junior and senior years. She also volunteers with Special Olympics North Carolina.
Rylee Sepesi, Cabarrus County
Rylee is a graduate of Mount Pleasant High school, with a 4.7 GPA. She will attend North Carolina State University where she plans to obtain a dual degree in paper science and chemical engineering. Her hopes are to make the world more sustainable and efficient through her work. Rylee is a varsity cheerleader, member of the Beta Club, and the president of AWSUM (Athletes Who Share Unselfish Moments) where she uses her leadership skills to plan and coordinate community service and fundraising opportunities.
Congratulations to this year’s Union Power Cooperative college scholarship recipients.
Educators: Apply for a Bright Ideas Grant
The Bright Ideas education grant program makes creative, innovative projects possible in North Carolina K–12 classrooms. To learn more about the program and apply, visit ncbrightideas.com or visit Union Power Cooperative.