Two Windsor High School students among three high school seniors from the service territory of Community Electric Cooperative who have each received $1,000 college scholarships awarded by the Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Windsor High students Alivia Garris of Zuni and Brett Holmes of Franklin joined Nansemond River High’s Braxton Lewis as scholarship winners.

The students were eligible for consideration because their parents or guardians are members of Community Electric Cooperative.

“These scholarships reflect the strong commitment of electric cooperatives to advancing educational opportunities among our youth,” said Russell Brown, chair of the Education Scholarship Foundation Board and chair of the board of directors of the VMD Association. “We commend these students on their academic success, knowing they represent a future generation of leaders in their communities.”

The foundation awarded Worth Hudson Scholarships of $1,000 each to 50 students, including Garris and Lewis. They are named in honor of Hudson, the first chairman of the VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation.

Holmes is among three seniors awarded $1,000 scholarships in memory of Bill Sherrod, the former editor of Cooperative Living magazine. They plan to pursue a career in journalism, English, communications or related fields.

Lewis will attend Virginia Military Institute and major in civil engineering.

“I was ecstatic upon receiving this scholarship because it pushes me closer to my goals. I am so happy that scholarships like these are made possible for students like me who do not want a pile of student debt after graduation,” he said.

Lewis quoted renowned U.S. wrestler Dan Gable, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA national champion, to describe his career aspirations: “My valleys are higher than most people’s peaks.”

“I am not inferring that I am better than anyone, just that I have such high goals for myself,” Lewis said.

Garris will attend Paul D. Camp Community College and study nutrition. Her career goal is to become a nutritionist and personal trainer.

“I am so honored by those who have chosen to contribute to my college education. I am truly grateful and appreciative of their generosity,” she said. “I will work hard to make the organizations proud of supporting me.”

Holmes will attend Virginia Tech and major in sports media and analytics. He described the Bill Sherrod scholarship opportunity as a “big red shiny ball” that aligned perfectly with his career goals.

“Most scholarships are very broad and everyone is applying for the same ones. This scholarship made so much sense for me, and I’m very, very grateful,” Holmes said.