Paulding Putnam (PPEC) knows career preparation can be expensive. We aim to uplift the next generation of leaders through our Children of Members Scholarship Program.

FIRST PLACE: $1,000

Senior Chelsea Erford of Miller City High School received top honors in the 2023 PPEC scholarship competition. She will represent PPEC in Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ statewide competition, where she’ll compete for up to $4,100 in additional funds. Additionally, first-place winner Corinne Bowers of Heritage High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Erford is the daughter of Aaron Erford of Ottawa, Ohio. She is active in her community and is class valedictorian. Erford is a member of Miller City’s chapter of the National Honor Society, yearbook club, and the golf team. She has been accepted to Bowling Green State University, Bluffton University, and Lourdes University and plans to major in social work.

Bowers is the daughter of Robert and Laura Bowers of Monroeville, Indiana. She’s a member of the student council and has been on honor roll all four years of high school. She will be focusing on nursing or nutrition at either Purdue University or Ball State University.

SECOND PLACE: $800

Second-place winners Jacob Kitson (Van Wert High School, Ohio) and Ashlyn Siefker (Ottawa-Glandorf High School, Ohio) will each receive $800 scholarships.

Kitson lives in Ohio City and is the son of Jeremy and Amanda Kitson. He will be attending the Florida Institute of Technology to become a commercial pilot.

Siefker resides in Ottawa with her parents, Brian and Tracy Siefker. She plans to attend the University of Toledo, majoring in nursing.

THIRD PLACE: $600

Third-place winners Madison Hoersten (Ottoville High School, Ohio) and Annabelle Welch (Fort Jennings High School, Ohio) won $600 scholarships.

Hoersten is the daughter of Krista Hoersten of Cloverdale, Ohio. She has been accepted to Kenyon College, Ohio Wesleyan University, the University of Findlay, and the University of Dayton and plans to major in physical therapy.

Welch is the daughter of Chip Welch, who resides in Fort Jennings, Ohio. She will be majoring in public health at the University of Toledo, the University of Findlay, or Bluffton University.

AT-LARGE WINNER: $600

Paulding High School senior Jamy Hunt is the at-large winner. She is the daughter of Michael and Heather Hunt of Oakwood, Ohio. She will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and will be majoring in agribusiness.

Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!