HERMISTON, Ore.-Graduation season is here, and Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) recently announced the recipients of its annual scholarships to help local students realize their career goals.
Since 1998, the UEC Scholarship Program has recognized the achievements of local students and encouraged them as they pursue their educational and career goals, awarding up to $50,000 to students in academic, engineering and lineman trade scholarships each year.
“We are proud to offer these scholarships on behalf of the UEC membership,” said Robert Echenrode, UEC president/CEO.
Almost 90 students applied for the scholarship program this year, according to UEC.
Applications to the UEC Scholarship Program are reviewed by a volunteer scholarship committee comprised of local businesspeople.
After meeting in May to review applications, the committee awarded 14 academic and one lineman trade scholarships to local students this year.
“We are inspired by how hard our recipients have worked and what they have achieved, and we wish them the best as they pursue their goals,” said Echenrode.
2026 recipients for the UEC Academic Scholarship Program:
- Eleanor Sak: Sophomore at Western Oregon University
- Stephanie Booher: Junior at Brigham Young University
- Kaylee Christy: 2026 Riverside High School graduate, will be attending Western Oregon University this fall
- Maddyn Morton: 2026 Riverside High School graduate, will be attending Oregon Institute of Technology
- Leah Mueller: Junior at George Fox University
- Guadalupe Trujillo: 2026 Irrigon High School graduate, will be attending Oregon State University
- Amy Murgia Ortega: 2026 Irrigon High School graduate, will be attending Oregon State University
- Alexah Moreno: 2026 Hermiston High School graduate, will be studying Physical Therapy at the University of Idaho
- Cidney Estes: 2025 Tarleton State University graduate, currently enrolled in Tarleton’s Business Administration Master’s Program
- Breanna Miller: Sophomore studying nursing at Blue Mountain Community College
- Riley Campbell: Junior studying Physical Therapy at the University of Montana
- Nancy Vert: Oregon State University graduate currently pursuing a master’s degree
- Keira Denny: Senior studying Psychology at Grand Canyon University
- Catherine Doherty: 2026 Hermiston High School graduate, will be studying Political Science at Rice University
2026 UEC Lineman College scholarship recipient:
- Ryan Rettkowski: Sophomore at Northwest Lineman College
The UEC Scholarship Program awards scholarships annually, with applications open in the spring. UEC members and their dependents are eligible for scholarships.
More information on the UEC Scholarship Program is available online.
