Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) has selected Kaleb Chambers of Bowdon to represent the co-op as its semifinalist for the Walter Harrsion Scholarship. Chambers will compete at the state level for one of sixteen $1,000 scholarships to use toward college tuition.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia EMC, the cooperative’s statewide association, is awarded to outstanding students seeking a post-secondary education at any two- or four-year university, college or technical institute in Georgia. To be eligible, students must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate program and complete an application with their electric cooperative. Academic standing, scholastic honors, community involvement and financial need are all considered when choosing a semifinalist.
“To ensure fairness and maintain impartiality in the evaluation process, we have a representative from a neighboring cooperative judge the applications,” said Rolando Benitez, Community Relations Representative and Member Advocate for Carroll EMC. “We are very confident in the judge’s selection and believe Kaleb [Chambers] has the heart to win over the statewide judges as well.”
Chambers, a smalltown senior with a love for agriculture and politics, plans to combine his two passions by attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and later attending law school. His end goal is to one day become an agricultural lawyer and an elected official.
“In third grade, I began my campaign for the United States presidency,” said Chambers. “I’ve since shifted my focus from national politics to state government. I have gained votes already even though I am many years away from seeking such an honor, but I believe I will serve my community in an elected seat of some capacity.”
Having already held office in organizations like the Future Business Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America as well as actively sharpening his soft skills through the Carroll County Junior Chamber of Commerce, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, Susan A. Mabry Citizens Academy and Emerging County Leaders Program, Chambers is well on his way to fulfilling his dreams.
“At the end of the day, I am a man who wants to leave this world a little better than how I found it,” Chambers said.
A scholarship committee comprised of directors, managers and key staff at Georgia’s 41 EMCs will judge each semifinalist application to select the sixteen scholarship recipients. Statewide winners will be announced on or before April 1.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 54,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
