GIRARD, Kan. — April 9, 2026 — Rural communities thrive when the next generation stays, grows, and leads. That’s the belief behind Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Future Foundations Scholarship Program — and this year, 12 high school seniors living on Heartland’s lines are putting that belief into action.

Heartland REC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarships. Each recipient (three per Heartland director district) will receive $1,000 to support their pursuit of high-need careers in nursing, education, skilled trades, and agriculture at Kansas institutions.

2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Recipients

District 1

Garrett Conley — Agricultural Technology | Pleasanton High School

Ashlan George — Nursing | Pleasanton High School

Kimball Uphoff — Agricultural Engineering | Prairie View High School

District 2

Emma Jean Kintzer — English Education | St. Paul High School

Bryson Peters — Lineman | Erie High School

Allison Weatherman — Pediatric Physical Therapist | Crest High School

District 3

Timothy “Tater” Ames — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School

Seth Shadden — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School

Klara Stock — Elementary Education | Uniontown High School

District 4

Joe Feagan — Electrician | Frontenac High School

Kelyn Page — Elementary Education | Girard High School

Rayleea Russell — Agricultural Education | Girard High School

 

The Future Foundations Scholarship Program is part of Heartland REC’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. By investing in students pursuing careers in fields that rural Kansas needs most, the cooperative is helping ensure the long-term vitality of the region.

For more information about the Future Foundations program, visit https://www.heartland-rec.com/community/future-foundations-scholarship/.

 

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.