Et cetera : Powerline Students Ortner and Devries awarded Scholarships

Northwest Iowa Community College announced students who were awarded scholarships based on their desire to enter the lineman profession, academic achievement and leadership qualities.

Students in the Powerline program at Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA were recently awarded scholarships based on their desire to enter the lineman profession, academic achievement and leadership qualities.

The Mel Marcotte Memorial Powerline Scholarship was established in memory of Mel Marcotte, an instructor at NCC for over 23 years. Marcotte was instrumental in creating the Powerline Program at NCC. An endowment has been set up for scholarship purposed through funds from Marcotte's children, former students, industry leaders, Powerline Instructors, and Powerline program funds. This year's recipient of the $500 Mel Marcotte Memorial Powerline Scholarship is Brady Ortner of Shellsburg, IA.

The Bill Franey Memorial Powerline Scholarship was established in memory of Bill Franey. Bill began his career with the Greene County REC which later became Midland Power Cooperative. He worked for the Cooperative for 30 years starting as an apprentice lineman and for the last ten years of his career he served as line superintendent. He retired after 41 years with the Cooperative. The memorial has been established by Bill's wife, Shirley, and son Mike. The recipients of the $750 Bill Franey Memorial Powerline Scholarships are Reece Devries of La Porte City, IA, and Caden Smith of Glidden, IA.

Pictured (L-R):
(back row) Bryce Anderson (instructor), Brady Ortner, Drake Johnson, Caden Smith, Ethan Unzicker, Reece Devries and Noah Skow

(front row) Aaron Dvorak (instructor) Coby Kessler, Garrett Lahann, Jesus Tinajero-Lule, Braden Grebner, Milet Kracht (instructor) and Jeff Soole (instructor)