Each year, North Central Electric Cooperative offers high school seniors whose parents or guardians are North Central members the opportunity to vie for a college scholarship.

Candidates submit an application, and finalists in the boys’ and girls’ divisions are interviewed by an independent panel of judges. The judges base their scores on the student’s poise, community and school involvement, academics, personality, and cooperative knowledge. The $3,000 scholarship recipients were eligible to earn up to an additional $3,400 scholarship at the statewide electric cooperative scholarship competition in April. 

1st place winners
Jaret Shook, 18, of Buckeye Central High School is the son of Brent and Sandra Shook
of Bloomville. He is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and was vice president of his junior and senior classes. He played on the school football and baseball teams. An FFA State Degree recipient, he was a member of the FFA Soil Team and Rural State Soils team, both of which placed at the state level.  He is a member of Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association and enjoys working on the family farm. He is also active in 4-H and Youth Group. He plans to attend Ohio Northern University.

Mykayla Ruffing, 17, of Seneca East High School is the daughter of Edward and Kay Ruffing of Bellevue. She is a member of the NHS, served as senior class treasurer, plus was involved in school musicals, volleyball, and basketball. She was North Central Electric’s Youth Tour representative to Washington, D.C., in 2014 and attended Buckeye Girls State in 2015. She is also active in the American Legion Auxiliary Post 260, Seneca East Public Library, and Our Lady of Hope Church. She plans to attend the University of Findlay.

2nd place winners
Tyler Leibengood, 17, of Clyde High School is the son of Troy and Cynthia Leibengood of Clyde. He is a member of the band and wind ensemble, a cappella Choir, and is involved in Quiz Bowl, varsity soccer and tennis. He is the valedictorian for his graduating class and has participated in the Capital University honors band. He is very active within the Boys Scouts of America, currently a Life Scout rank working on his Eagle rank. He plans to attend the University of Cincinnati.

Brette Stockmaster, 17, of Seneca East High School is the daughter of Shawn and Brenda Stockmaster of Attica. She is a member of the NHS, captain of the Quiz Bowl team, and president of the Science Club, plus she played basketball and was a member of Pep Club. She is a member of the Tiffin Charitable Foundation Youth Advisory Council, a summer reading tutor and was founder of “Plant a Pot.” She was North Central’s Washington, D.C., Youth Tour representative in 2014 and was the recipient of a generation/NRECA grant. She has been accepted into the honors programs at Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Northeastern University.

Touchstone Energy Scholarship winner
Aryn Copeland, 17, of Wynford High School is the daughter of Carl and Lauren Copeland of Nevada. She is a member of the National Honor Society, was named a scholar athlete, and has received her academic letter and pin. She has been an FFA chapter president, class president and the People to People ambassador. She has earned her FFA State Degree and the Ag-Credit 110 percent Award. She is active in 4-H and the Crawford County Junior Fair Board, plus she is involved in the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra, Capital University Honor Band, and marching, pep and concert bands. She plans to attend Wilmington College. The Touchstone Energy Scholarship rewards students who have committed to the pursuit of a college education despite hardships that may have affected them.