PALMETTO, GA, April 23, 2024 – In a celebration of academic achievement and community dedication, Whitney Benz from Trinity Christian School in Coweta County has been named a distinguished recipient of the 2024 Georgia EMC Walter Harrison Scholarship. This esteemed scholarship, proudly sponsored by electric cooperatives throughout Georgia, including Coweta-Fayette EMC, recognizes outstanding students like Benz for their commitment to both scholastic pursuits and community service.
Benz stood out amongst a competitive pool of applicants from across the state, emerging as one of only 16 students to receive this year’s Walter Harrison Scholarship. This significant accolade provides a $1,000 grant to assist with the escalating costs associated with pursuing higher education at a two or four-year college. The selection process for the Walter Harrison Scholarship is rigorous, evaluating candidates based on a combination of merit and need. Key criteria include GPA, academic standing, scholastic honors, active community involvement, and demonstrated financial need. Applicants are required to submit an insightful essay articulating their qualifications for the scholarship, outlining their educational and career aspirations, and detailing any special circumstances that underscore their need and commitment to service. This essay component allows students to showcase their dedication to their communities and their desire to make a meaningful impact. The scholarship is versatile, applicable to any accredited two-year or four-year institution within Georgia, including vocational-technical colleges, ensuring broad access to educational opportunities. Eligibility requires applicants and their families to be members of Coweta-Fayette EMC and reside within the cooperative’s service area.
Rachel Camp, Communications Coordinator at Coweta-Fayette EMC, expressed immense pride in Benz’s accomplishment. “Coweta-Fayette EMC is incredibly honored to recognize Whitney’s exceptional academic achievements and her significant contributions to the community through the presentation of this well-deserved Walter Harrison Scholarship of $1,000,” Camp stated. “Whitney being selected among the top 16 recipients statewide is a powerful testament to her scholastic prowess and her genuine passion for serving others. She truly embodies the spirit of the Walter Harrison Scholarship.”
Looking ahead, Benz is set to embark on her college journey at the University of West Georgia in Fall 2024. Her academic focus will be in Biology, with a specialized concentration in botany and sustainable farming, reflecting her deep interest in environmental science and sustainable practices. Beyond her academic pursuits, Benz is actively involved in extracurricular and community activities. She is a dedicated member of the Beta Club and serves as the Co-Captain of the Archery Team at Trinity Christian School, demonstrating leadership and teamwork skills. During her summers, she works as a Certified Lifeguard, ensuring community safety. Her commitment extends to her faith community as well, where she is an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, volunteering as an Assistant Sunday School Teacher and an Assistant Coach for their Soccer Camp. Driven by a profound desire to serve, Benz regularly participates in mission trips, having contributed to home building projects in southern Florida and Costa Rica. This summer, she is planning to further extend her service by working in a missionary hospital and on a palm farm in Honduras, showcasing her global perspective and dedication to humanitarian efforts.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship holds a distinguished legacy, named in honor of Walter Harrison, a pioneering figure in the rural electricity movement. Harrison was a visionary leader at the local, state, and national levels of the electric cooperative program, instrumental in bringing electricity to rural communities. Established in 1985, the Walter Harrison Scholarship is generously funded by Georgia’s 41 electric cooperatives, including Coweta-Fayette EMC, alongside the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Georgia Rural Electric Supply Corp. Since its inception in 1987, the scholarship has awarded over $281,500 to 292 deserving students, playing a crucial role in enabling students across Georgia to pursue their educational dreams and contribute to a brighter future.
Coweta Fayette EMC, a member-owned cooperative, is committed to providing electricity and essential related services to over 80,000 consumers across Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Fulton, Clayton, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup counties, underpinning community development and quality of life.
