Three high school seniors from across Oklahoma and Arkansas just received $60,000 college scholarships from Oklahoma Gas and Electric Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc.
The $60,000 scholarship for each will cover tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board through the 2024 OGE Positive Energy Scholars program.
The 2024 OGE Positive Energy Scholars are Nadia Phan of Northside High School in Fort Smith, Ark., Mia Laird of Madill High School in Madill, Okla., and Mizael Morales of Dove Science Academy in Oklahoma City. The financial assistance provided from the Positive Energy Scholarship will give Nadia, Mia, and Mizael the opportunity to attend college and pursue their degrees without the financial burden often associated with obtaining higher education.
“Congratulations to Nadia, Mia and Mizael, the 2024 OGE Positive Energy Scholars,” said Sean Trauschke, OGE Energy Corp. Chairman, President and CEO. “These three students are among the best and the brightest. It is an honor to present them with this scholarship that will help open doors of opportunity and prepare them to enter the workforce.”
Each scholar was surprised at his or her high school with a parade of fellow students and family members. School administrators, teachers, mentors, representatives from OG&E, elected officials and other members from each recipient’s community gathered to celebrate the students’ accomplishments as they were presented with the scholarship award.
“I am so thankful to be a 2024 Positive Energy Scholar,” said Morales. “I plan to pursue a career in computer science to help contribute to the technology that has driven innovation around the world. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my dream career.”
This year’s Positive Energy Scholars were selected from a competitive pool of applicants across OG&E’s entire service area in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. In addition to impressive academic accomplishments and test scores, each student wowed the selection committee with intentional leadership roles at their schools. Their involvement in extracurricular activities, dedication to community service, thirst for knowledge and desire to build a brighter future for their state stood out to the scholarship committee.
“Attending college will allow me to discover and eventually have a career in environmental science,” said Laird. “I’m grateful to OG&E for this life-changing scholarship and making it possible for me to attend a great university.”
Both Mia and Mizael will attend the University of Oklahoma while Nadia will earn her degree at Oklahoma State University. All three scholars will pursue degrees in a STEM field, providing an impactful boost to the workforce in Oklahoma.
“I am planning to get a job during school but with the help of this scholarship I would be able to focus on my education and surrounding groups and leadership opportunities without having to stress about the financial burden it could cost,” said Phan.
Established in 2019, the OGE Positive Energy Scholarship empowers academically strong students to pursue a degree in higher education by providing critical financial need.
Since 2012, OG&E and the OGE Energy Corp. have provided more than $2 million in scholarships for more than 300 students in the OG&E service area. Since launching the Positive Energy Scholarship program, OGE Energy Corp. Foundation has awarded 18 Positive Energy Scholarships – totaling $1,080,000 – to high school seniors.