Three deserving high school seniors from Oklahoma and Arkansas earn $60,000 scholarships and surprise school celebrations for their achievements
OG&E announced the recipients of its 2026 Positive Energy Scholarship, recognizing three high school seniors in Oklahoma and western Arkansas for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to their communities.
This year’s recipients are Makayla Heath of Lone Grove High School in Lone Grove, Okla., Anthony Mendez of Northside High School in Fort Smith, Ark. and Rishi Patel of Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, Okla. All three will be first-generation college students.
Each student was surprised during a school assembly when OG&E rolled in its Positive Energy Boost smoothie truck alongside field team members and bucket trucks, turning the celebration into a high-energy experience shared with classmates, teachers and family members.
The Positive Energy Scholars each receive $15,000 per year for up to four years — a total of $60,000 — to help cover tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board while attending college in Oklahoma or Arkansas. The scholarship is administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation on behalf of the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation.
“These scholars represent the very best of our communities across Oklahoma and Arkansas,” said Kelli Hayward Walsh, manager of community outreach and engagement at OG&E. “Through the Positive Energy Scholarship, we are proud to support students who are not only achieving academic success but are also preparing to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
The 2026 OG&E Positive Energy Scholars are:
Makayla Heath – Lone Grove High School (Lone Grove, Okla.)
Heath will attend East Central University to pursue a degree in accounting. A dedicated student-athlete and leader, she has been active in FCCLA, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes while also contributing to Lone Grove’s softball program and multiple state championship teams.
Anthony Mendez – Northside High School (Fort Smith, Ark.)
Mendez will attend the University of Arkansas to study mechanical engineering with a focus on energy systems and power-related applications. A leader in Army JROTC, band and National Honor Society, he currently serves as Battalion Executive Officer, helping mentor and lead more than 400 cadets in the school’s JROTC program.
Rishi Patel – Putnam City High School (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Patel will attend the University of Oklahoma to study finance. His interest in business developed through helping with his family’s motel, where he gained early exposure to entrepreneurship and customer service. Patel has also demonstrated resilience and leadership while navigating personal challenges and pursuing his academic goals.
The OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship was established in 2018 to encourage students in OG&E’s service area to pursue higher education, particularly in fields that support innovation, leadership and the future workforce.