Co-op News
Andrew Sonsalla named Outstanding Apprentice of the Year
The AT&S Committee named Andrew Sonsalla Outstanding Apprentice of the Year based on his high test scores and evaluations from supervisors and peers. For his efforts, Sonsalla received an engraved watch from the North Dakota Line Superintendents' Association and a plaque from the North Dakota Managers' Association at the annual AT&S banquet.
"Everyone enjoys working with Andrew," says Rex Sadler, Chief of Staff at Slope Electric. "He comes to work every day with a positive attitude and is always willing to take on a new challenge. He is very deserving of the Outstanding Apprentice Award."
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Erika Olson wins trip to Washington, D.C.
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Applicants were asked to compose an essay and a panel of impartial judges from the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives chose the individual winner.
During the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., nearly 1,500 students sponsored by electric cooperatives from across the country converge on the nation's capital. They visit national monuments and historic sites, tour federal offices, and spend time with their congressional delegations. During the Youth Tour, students also learn about electric cooperatives and discuss issues facing their communities and the nation.
The winning essay
To earn a trip to Washington, D.C., Erika wrote an essay on the topic: "Touchstone Energy cooperatives have launched the 'Together We Save' campaign to promote energy efficiency and conservation nationwide. Why do you think energy efficiency and conservation are important priorities for electric co-ops and how can co-op members and communities achieve the savings in resources these priorities are intended to accomplish?"
Scholarship winners named
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Craig Bucholz, Bowman is the winner of the $1,000 Basin Scholarship.
Craig's parents are Kevin and Debbie Bucholz, Bowman. Craig has a 3.73 GPA. He is on the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Science Olympiad and Mentoring Program. Craig has participated in Football, Wrestling, Track and has been a youth wresting coach for several years. Craig has also attended Boys State and North Dakota's Governor's School in Mathematics. Craig also volunteers his time to many activities in the community. Craig plans to attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. His goal is to utilize his degree and to have a career that is both challenging and rewarding. "I want to make a positive impact in my community and work environment." Craig stated.
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Justin Herner |
Nicole Engraf |
Slope Electric also awarded two $500 scholarships for academics. An academic scholarship was awarded to Justin Herner, Mott. Justin's parents are Alan and Sharon Herner, Mott. He has a 3.93 GPA and is a Graduation Honor Marshall. Justin participates in Basketball, Football and Golf. He plays in the concert and jazz band and is involved in Boy Scouts. He will attend Dickinson State University to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Justin will also work toward receiving certification in several computer industry standards. "After becoming certified, I will pursue a job as a computer network technician within the state of North Dakota.” Herner explained.
A $500 academic scholarship was also awarded to Nicole Engraf, Hettinger. Nicole's parents are Dan and Betty Jo Engraf, Hettinger. Nicole's GPA is 3.54. Nicole is a member of concert band, pep band and small groups. Nicole has participated in Volleyball, Future Business Leaders of America, Speech, Drama, Science Olympiad, Owls and is currently a wrestling statistician and manager. She will be attending North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology, Pre-vet Medicine. “Thank you so much for awarding me with the $500.00 Slope Electric Cooperative Scholarship. The money is greatly appreciated and will go towards further education. I am very grateful for the hard work your cooperative has provided, especially through the power outages. Slope Electric Cooperative has made a great impact on my life and I am pleased to know my hard work has been recognized.” Engraf stated.
The scholarship judges said “There were a lot of good applications. They were all so active, involved and talented. Our area has so many amazing students in our schools. ”
