Lumbee River EMC (LREMC) hosted its 2023 Youth Program Awards Luncheon on May 4, 2023, to honor this year's scholarship recipients and Youth Tour representative. LREMC Board of Directors and employees greeted the recipients and their guests. LREMC President & CEO Jon T. Locklear gave remarks and presented the awards.

As part of Lumbee River EMC's commitment to our community, LREMC established a scholarship program over 30 years ago to help students reach their educational goals. The coop awards over $40,000 to high school seniors entering college in the fall each year. This year the board of directors approved a new scholarship, the Madie Rae Locklear Scholarship, to honor her memory and legacy.

LREMC also sponsors two students to attend the Youth Tour to Washington D.C. Two delegates will learn about the Nation's capital and how the government operates while visiting cultural sights in Washington DC.

Concern for the community is one of the seven cooperative principles. Investing in educational opportunities for our youth is a direct investment in the future of our community. "Education is the foundation to building a successful community," Jones said. "Providing educational opportunities available to our youth remains a priority for LREMC."

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Kaylee Chavis, Lumberton Senior High- J. McN. Gillis Scholarship

Michaela Chavis-Douglas, Red Springs High- John S. O'Briant Scholarship

Raven Cummings, Purnell Swett- J.W. Hunt Scholarship

Vanecia Fletcher, Fairmont High- Thomas Wade Bethea Scholarship

Mia Locklear, PSRC Early College- Elias Rogers Scholarship

Robyn Locklear, Red Springs High- Madie Rae Locklear Scholarship

Laura Wlodarczak, Scotland Early College- Lucy Smith Scholarship

2023 Youth Tour Award

Cassidy Marie Chavis, Purnell Swett

Taylor Valerio, Seventy-First High School