Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative Awards Scholarships to Five Local Seniors

Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program, honoring five exceptional high school seniors for their academic achievements, leadership and dedication to community service. As these students prepare to take the next step in their educational journeys, CVEC is honored to support their aspirations through financial assistance and recognition.

Following a competitive selection process that evaluated academic performance, involvement in school and community and thoughtful personal essays, CVEC awarded four $1,000 scholarships for any field of study and one $1,500 scholarship specifically for a student pursuing a career in linework.

$1,000 Scholarships for Any Field of Study

• Casen Baker, an Albia Community High School graduate, will attend Drake University to study business law. The son of Steph and Rodney Baker, Casen hopes to use his legal career to promote justice and provide mentorship to others, writing, “Education is a powerful tool that shapes individuals and strengthens communities.”

• Lily Buckingham, also a graduate of Albia Community High School and daughter of Josh and Jody Buckingham, plans to study nursing at Indian Hills Community College. With a strong desire to remain in Albia, she wrote, “My education will empower me to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to my community.”

• Avery Halstead, daughter of Brock and Teresa Halstead and a graduate of Albia Community High School, will pursue science and nursing at Carroll University. Currently working as a patient care technician, Avery shared her vision of expanding mental health advocacy and mentorship in her essay, noting her drive to “create a meaningful impact through patient care.”

• Breanna Messamaker, a future respiratory therapist and Albia graduate, will attend Des Moines Area Community College. The daughter of Jason and Kendra Messamaker, Breanna stated, “I want to be someone my community can rely on for care, education and support.”

$1,500 Lineworker Scholarship

• Nate Ballard, son of Melissa Spurgin and Michael Ballard and graduate of Albia Community High School, received the cooperative’s $1,500 scholarship to attend Midwest Line College. Nate expressed his motivation to serve others through essential infrastructure work, writing, “Becoming a lineman is not just a career choice for me; it is a way to serve my community.”

CVEC remains committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and skilled workers. "These students exemplify the cooperative values of service, integrity and hard work," said Troy Amoss, CVEC CEO/general Manager. "We are proud to support their goals and look forward to seeing the difference they will make in their communities and beyond."

Congratulations to Casen, Lily, Avery, Breanna and Nate!

CVEC wishes each of you continued success in all your future endeavors.