CASSOPOLIS —  Four local high school seniors will begin their post-secondary education with a little financial support as recipients of $1000 scholarships from Midwest Energy & Communications.

“Investing in our youth is one great way to achieve our vision of vibrant, relevant and sustainable rural communities. These are future co-op and community leaders, and we’re honored to reward their outstanding accomplishments,” said Patty Nowlin, vice president of corporate communications.

MEC recently awarded scholarships to the following students for their leadership and academic achievement:

• Seth Bunce, son of Scott and Rachel Bunch of Mattawan. Bunce is a member of the National Technical Honor Society at Mattawan High School, and earned varsity letters for track and wrestling, and was a state champion for rugby. An accomplished Eagle Scout, he plans to attend the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Georgia.

• Megan Dopheide, daughter of Chris and Terri Dopheide of Lawton. An accomplished athlete at Lawton High School, Dopheide participated in cross country, basketball, and track and field. She also was involved with Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, and served as the Youth Vote Coordinator for Van Buren County. She will attend Ferris State University.

• Jonathan Stockwell, son of Eugene and Denise Stockwell of Dowagiac. Stockwell has been very involved with the band program at Dowagiac Union High School, including serving as drum major, and also is a member of the National Honor Society. He served as president of the North Red Hill 4-H Club and as a member of the Teen Leadership Council in Cass County 4-H. He will attend Trine University.

• Jacob Taylor, son of Fred and Shari Taylor of Schoolcraft. A student at Kalamazoo Christian High School, Taylor is a member of the National Honor Society and participated with football, basketball and track. He also served as a camp counselor for a youth basketball program and a Bible day camp. Jacob will attend Michigan State University.

Midwest Energy and Communications creates vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities by providing first-in-class electric distribution, propane, and fiber internet solutions to more than 40,000 customers in 15 counties across southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.