CUMMING — A Cumming-based electric services cooperative recently helped nine local high school seniors prepare for upcoming college finances.

Sawnee EMC gave each soon-to-be graduate a $4,000 scholarship through a program derived from the company’s unclaimed patronage capital funds, which are separate from the donated funds the foundation distributes to charitable organizations throughout the year.

“It is such a blessing for the foundation to be able to assist these students financially in furthering their post-secondary education,” said Blake House, vice president of member services at Sawnee EMC.

“The Youth Scholarship Program is a shining example of what they foundation and Sawnee EMC are all about — which is their commitment to being a partner and supporter in the various communities we serve.”

The local high school students who received a scholarship from Sawnee EMC are:

* Caroline Bourneuf, South Forsyth

* Caroline Duckworth, North Forsyth

* Megan Grochau, Lambert

* Haley Hubbard, North

* Carrie Kaufmann, Lambert

* Madison Mitchell, Lambert

* Shwetha Mudalegundi, South

* Yaquelin Sanchez, Forsyth Central

* Jacob Sparks, South

In the past 11 years, Sawnee EMC has distributed $435,000 in scholarships to 122 high school seniors with the company’s seven-county service area.

“Supporting those in need in our communities and helping these outstanding students continue their education is a key part of meeting the foundation’s core mission,” said Dennis Anderson, foundation board chair.

For more information about the program, visit sawnee.com/round_up or contact Cindy Badgett at (678) 455-1399 or cindy.badgett@sawnee.com.