EnergyUnited awards college scholarships to two local students

EnergyUnited announced the winners of its 2026 Empowering the Future Scholarship Program on Monday, awarding $5,000 each to Emerson Bishop and Grace Baker. Bishop, a senior at Pine Lake Preparatory, will attend Coastal Carolina University to double major in musical theater and marine biology, while Baker, a senior at North Iredell High School, plans to study nursing at the University of South Carolina. Both students were selected by a committee of EnergyUnited staff and Member Advisory Committee volunteers based on their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service. The scholarship program, established in 2018, reflects EnergyUnited’s commitment to education and community support. Since its launch, the cooperative has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. CEO Thomas Golden stated that the recipients embody the leadership and resilience needed to shape a brighter future for their communities. EnergyUnited is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina, serving 145,038 member connections across 19 counties in west central North Carolina. The cooperative provides electric service to regions including Davidson, Iredell, and Statesville, where the scholarship recipients reside. The Empowering the Future Scholarship Program aims to alleviate financial barriers for students while encouraging academic and community engagement. Baker expressed gratitude for the scholarship, noting it validates her goals of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to positively impact others. Bishop similarly shared appreciation for the support, emphasizing how the scholarship helps her pursue her educational aspirations. The program underscores EnergyUnited’s role in fostering local talent and community development through educational investment.