The Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Round Up Trust recently awarded $9,500 in scholarships to seven local high school graduates. Each year, the trust provides two $2,000 scholarships and four $1,000 scholarships to seniors pursuing a college or university education whose parents or guardians participate in the Operation Round Up program. Expanding its commitment this year, the trust also introduced a new $1,500 scholarship for students planning to enter the skilled trades after graduation.

The scholarship winners demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic achievement and community involvement through an application process that highlighted their engagement in school and service activities. Trades scholarship applicants wrote essays on the importance of skilled trades in today’s world, while undergraduate applicants reflected on their contributions to a cause, project, or organization serving the community or addressing a social issue. Congratulations to all the winners.