WCTEL, FRS award more than $17,500 in youth scholarships  

West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL) recently honored the recipients of the WCTEL & Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) 2024 college scholarships, totaling $17,500 in funds to help local youth pursue further learning. All scholarship applications are mailed to FRS and independently judged in Washington, DC, by a panel of judges selected by FRS.

The WCTEL scholarship for $8,000, issued over four years at $2,000 per year, was awarded to Jillian Mapes of Hodges, SC. Mapes plans to attend Guilford College. 

Each year, FRS awards 55 scholarships to students across the United States. This year, FRS received over 1,300 applications. One of these scholarships was awarded to Aaron Parr of Prosperity, SC. Parr plans to attend Yale University.  

In addition to these community scholarships, The WCTEL Family Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to every dependent of WCTEL employees. Started by an anonymous donor and sustained by WCTEL family members, the program recognized the following graduates:
Carson Wilson; Madyson Waters; Thomas Booth, Abbeville High School; Madison McDonald, Charleston County School of the Arts; Jack Green, River Bluff High School; and Kate Miller, Century High School (Bismarck, ND). 

“The board and employees of West Carolina Tel are delighted to help area youth pursue their future education,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of WCTEL. “These students are a shining light, and each one represents a bright future. We wish these students well as they enter the next stage in life. Maybe one day they will return to our area to raise their families and pursue their career dreams.”  

“It’s always a good day when we can come together and celebrate these outstanding students,” said Wes McAllister, WCTEL board chairman. “They embody grit, perseverance, commitment, and optimism. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”