Local Student Selected for National Telecommunications Scholarship
Jay Brogan, President of Hiawatha Telephone Company, is shown presenting a $1,000 FRED Scholarship Certificate to recipient Andrew Kelto.
Andrew Kelto, a senior at Munising High School was selected to receive a $1,000 academic scholarship by the Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED). Sponsored by Hiawatha Telephone Company (HTC), the given award is based on merit and a demonstrated commitment to rural life.
FRED received close to 200 applications from rural areas throughout the United States and selected 52 students to receive scholarships from the organization. FRED awarded $76,000 to some of the most outstanding students rural America has to offer.
FRED is a national 501(c)(3) charitable foundation located in Washington, D.C. and was founded in 1989 by the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO). The mission of FRED and its supporters is to promote educational, social, and economic development in rural America and Canada. The FRED Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of more than 1,000 small, independent telecommunications companies operating in rural areas across the United States and Canada and the companies that provide goods and services to these companies. HTC is both a member of OPASTCO and supporter of FRED.
Jay Brogan, President of HTC wrote a letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Kelto so his application could be accepted and reviewed.
Melissa Korzuch, Foundation Director said, “This year, we awarded $76,000 total in scholarships, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the OPASTCO Member companies that support the scholarship program with their donations to the Foundation.”
FRED President, Heather Thompson said, “Small telephone companies are a valuable asset to their rural communities. Our goal is to work with all OPASTCO members to create educational opportunities for rural America’s best resource – its young people.”
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Separate from the FRED scholarship is the locally sponsored HTC scholarship. The 2012 graduates who received a $750.00 HTC scholarship are:
Burt Township School: Rachel Bodak and Casey Brock
Munising High School: Dylan Cromell and Andrew Kelto
Congratulations and best wishes to all 2012 graduates.
