Each year, Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) offers scholarships for higher education to three deserving high school seniors. Winners are selected through an application and essay contest titled “My Legacy.” SEC would like to recognize the three area youth who received 2020 scholarships for their outstanding applications and essays: Caleb Grover, Eric Schafer and Layne Lebshier. Each of the recipients was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Grover is the son of Greg and Lisa Grover of Stonington. He plans to major in pre-medicine at Lincoln Land Community College in the fall, and after earning his associate degree, go on to a 4-year university. He aspires to be a physician. 

Schafer is the son of Aaron and Sue Schafer of Owaneco. He plans to attend Butler College in the fall, majoring in animal science and agriculture business management. He hopes to eventually earn his master’s and doctorate degrees in animal science to propel him into a career in animal science research.

Lebshier is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Lebshier of Mechanicsburg. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in elementary education with a minor in agriculture communications. She desires to become a teacher and pass a love of learning and strong work ethic on to future generations.

“It is always exciting to present these scholarships to outstanding students in our service area. This is just one way we can give back to the communities we serve,” noted Heidi Hall, Member Services Manager. “Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we were unable to do our normal presentation to our recipients and wanted to acknowledge them in this manner,” continued Hall.

Information about the 2021 scholarships will be sent to area high school guidance counselors in the fall. You can learn more about this and other scholarships on the cooperative’s website, shelbyelectric.coop, under the “Community” tab or call the office at 217-774-3986.