2024 scholarship winners announced

Each year MRES grants up to 12 scholarships to students entering post-secondary education programs related to the electric utility industry.

This year, four $1,000 scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors from MRES member communities who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year university or vocation-technical school. Recipients who meet certain performance criteria each year are eligible to renew their scholarships for up to three additional years, making the scholarships worth up to $4,000 total.

Additionally, seven $2,000 scholarships were awarded to students enrolling in a one-year powerline/lineworker program at eligible technical schools within the MRES footprint. These scholarships are one-time only and not renewable, and applicants do not need to reside in a household receiving power from an MRES member utility.

“At Missouri River, we’re dedicated to shaping tomorrow’s utility workforce through education,” said MRES President and CEO Matt Schull. “The 12 recipients of our 2024 scholarships are exceptional students who have already significantly impacted their schools and communities. We are excited to see them thrive in their studies and future careers.”

The 2024 scholarship winners are:

Zachary Bredman, of Barnesville, Minnesota, plans to enroll in the electrical lineworker program at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena, Minnesota.

Alex DePestel, of Minneota, Minnesota, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Kristopher Diehl, whose family is a customer of Orange City (Iowa) Municipal Utilities, plans to study industrial and commercial wiring at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa.

Stephen Gaul, whose family is a customer of the City of Pella (Iowa) Municipal Electric Utility, plans to study industrial engineering at Iowa State University in Ames.

Lauren Geerdes, whose family is a Rock Rapids (Iowa) Municipal Utilities customer, plans to study biochemistry at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Camden Hansen, of Tyler, Minnesota, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Mitchell Technical College.

Owen Niesen, from Silver Lake, Minnesota, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Mitchell Technical College.

Brody Schneider, from Schleswig, Iowa, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Northwest Iowa Community College.

Katherine Stearns, whose family is a customer of Detroit Lakes (Minnesota) Public Utilities, plans to study communications at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Gaval Valder, of Beresford, South Dakota, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Mitchell Technical College.

Tayden Wells, of Vermillion, South Dakota, plans to enroll in the powerline program at Mitchell Technical College.