Voices of Veterans
Recent news
Bluebonnet awards $400,000 in scholarships to 160 area graduating high school seniors
Story by Connie Juarez
Consider it an investment in the future. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative has awarded 160 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from across the cooperative’s 14-county service area this year. The $2,500 Scholarships of Excellence, totaling $400,000, will help the students achieve their goals of earning college degrees or trade-and-technical school certificates.
“Congratulations to the students who earned a Bluebonnet scholarship this year, and thanks to all the outstanding, hardworking students who participated in the application process,” General Manager Matt Bentke said. “One of Bluebonnet’s values is supporting and investing in the communities in which we live and serve. Awarding these scholarships supports these students who will continue to give back to their communities.”
The scholarships are funded by proceeds from Bluebonnet's Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament as well as former members’ unclaimed capital credit payments that were returned by the state of Texas. Funds for the scholarships do not come from Bluebonnet members’ bill payments and do not affect electric rates.
Sherry Murphy, a Bluebonnet community and development representative, has been organizing the scholarship program for three years.
“It’s one of the highlights of our year,” Murphy said. “We have an opportunity to meet these students and celebrate their hard work. It’s an honor to be part of that.”
After the scholarship presentation at Smithville High School, Lindsey Saunders, the Smithville ISD communications officer, said, “We’re so proud of our students who received this scholarship. It really shows all the hard work they’ve put in.”
Koy Macik, a graduate of Caldwell High School who plans to study animal science at Texas A&M University, is one of this year’s recipients. “We started a cattle operation when my family moved to Caldwell, and I’ve been around animals my whole life,” Macik said. “I feel like it’s something I want to pursue. I want to become a veterinarian. I’m not sure where yet, but I’ll see where the path takes me.”
Others, like Karina Maldonado, are pursuing careers in the medical field. Maldonado, a Brenham High School graduate, will attend Tyler Junior College to study prediagnostic medical sonography. “Visiting with my teachers and taking Certified Medical Assistant courses through Blinn College inspired me to pursue a career in sonography,” Maldonado said. "Eventually, I’d like to focus on oncologic imaging and maybe even do travel sonography, going where I’m needed — especially since there’s a shortage of sonographers in some areas.”
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS PURSUE HIGH ASPIRATIONS
Among this year’s recipients, several dozen students said they were first-generation college students — the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Adalinda Ricardez, a 2025 graduate of McDade High School, is one of 32 recipients who received a trade-and-technical scholarship and will be the first in her family to attend college.
When Adalinda starts classes at Austin Community College’s Highland Campus this fall, she’ll already have some credits under her belt. “I took dual credit courses in high school, and I think taking those helped me prepare for college,” she said.
Photo from Skarleth Lagos
At ACC, she plans to complete prerequisite courses, then move into the dental hygiene program and earn an associate degree. From there, she wants to earn a degree from Texas A&M University or The University of Texas at San Antonio, then go to dental school.
Adalinda’s high school years were filled with achievement, both inside and outside the classroom. The clarinetist played in the marching and concert bands all four years and earned MVP honors in concert band. She served as secretary of the student council during her junior and senior years and participated in Pathfinders and Master Guides, programs focused on leadership, service and personal growth. She also volunteered with the Teen Leadership Training program in her junior and senior years.
On top of her academic commitments, Adalinda worked on her school campus as part of McDade ISD’s summer staff, assisted at a local food bank and volunteered time with nursing home residents.
“My family has taught me to persevere and always do my best,” she said. “And now, my younger siblings are watching. Being the first to go to college sets the bar higher for all of us.”
BUILDING STRONG FUTURES
For Bastrop High School graduate Payton Moore, the future looks a lot like the past with new purpose. Payton grew up around construction projects, and she plans to keep it that way. This fall, she will attend Tarleton State University to study construction management, with a goal of continuing the legacy of Moore Construction, a homebuilding business founded in 1900 by her great-great-grandfather.
“The business was passed down through the men in my family — first my great-grandfather, Robert Moore, then my grandfather, David Moore,” Payton said. “My father, David Moore II, wasn’t able to take over the business, and I’d like to make that happen for him.”
Payton’s father died in 2022 at 48 after a two-year illness. “I loved helping out alongside my dad with construction jobs for family members for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I got my first tool set when I was 6.”
Payton’s high school extracurricular work shows her dedication to service, leadership and learning. She was a two-year member of Peer Assistance and Leadership, mentoring younger students and volunteering in the community. She helped organize one of Bastrop’s largest events as part of the Bastrop Homecoming and Rodeo Committee and was a varsity student trainer for the school’s sports medicine team.
She hopes to honor her father and family by learning the ins and outs of the construction business.
“I want to combine my passion for building with interior design and eventually provide people with homes that truly reflect who they are,” Payton said.
Like Payton, Kevin Nava is laying the foundation for a future in construction. Kevin will attend Sam Houston State University this fall to major in construction management. The Lexington High School graduate wants to become a senior project manager.
The degree requires studying building materials, engineering graphics and civil design. Kevin’s leadership qualities were evident throughout his high school years. He was a member of the National Honor Society and a standout athlete. He served as a cross country team captain, earning four-time MVP Runner of the Year honors. Kevin also competed in football and was active in Future Farmers of America.
In recognition of his achievements in academics and sports, Kevin received the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, presented through local Masonic lodges to honor students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, citizenship, community service and athletics.
Outside the classroom, Kevin volunteered at church events and gained job experience installing window frames for a local glass and mirror company.
“I want to do what I love while leading teams and managing projects,” Kevin said.
COMMITTED TO CARE
Adriana Parra Jaramillo, a graduate of Luling High School, has always had an interest in health care. She plans to attend Texas State University this fall to pursue a nursing degree.
“I was always interested in the medical field and all aspects of it,” Adriana said. “I love what it means to be a nurse and help people.”
In high school, Adriana was co-captain of the dance team, where she earned the Crowd Pleasers Highest GPA Award two years in a row. She participated in the Health Science Yearlong Academy through Dell Medical School and holds certifications in first aid, CPR and bleeding control.
Adriana was also active in Health Occupations Students of America, photography club, book club, and various safety and leadership programs.
In addition to schoolwork, Adriana gained work experience as: junior manager at McDonald’s, sales associate at Best Buy and Boot Barn, and crew member at Whataburger, often working 30 to 40 hours a week.
Adriana is fluent in English and Spanish and hopes to use those skills as a traveling nurse, providing care in locations with limited resources. “I want to learn from different environments and give back wherever I can,” she said.
Skarleth Lagos, a graduate of IDEA Bluff Springs College Preparatory in Austin, is also planning a career in health care, but her focus is on the brain. This fall, she will attend Austin College in Sherman, where she plans to major in neuroscience.
Her interest was sparked during a ninth-grade experience through the Dell Medical Health Sciences program at The University of Texas at Austin. “They let us hold real human brains,” Skarleth said. “It made me realize how powerful the brain is. One organ controls everything. That amazed me.”
Skarleth challenged herself academically with multiple advanced placement courses, including chemistry, biology and statistics.
While in high school, Skarleth was a member of UT’s Yearlong Health Sciences Academy, earning certificates in CPR and bleeding control.
Skarleth hopes to eventually attend Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. Her goal is to become a doctor and return to the Dale area, where she grew up, bringing specialty medical care to regions that lack it.
Her parents are her biggest inspirations, she said. “They’ve always supported me in the best way they could,” Skarleth said.
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
The impact of Bluebonnet’s investment in students may be best illustrated by those who have gone before this year’s recipients over the scholarship’s 27-year history.
Philip Meuth, a 2009 graduate of Bastrop High School, was a first-generation college student who received a Bluebonnet scholarship to attend Texas State Technical College in Waco. He studied plumbing and pipe fitting, building a foundation for a lasting career.
“I knew I wanted to go into a trade,” Philip said. “Plumbing stood out because it’s a solid, good-paying career.”
Today, he lives in Cedar Creek and works for Brewster Services, a commercial plumbing contractor in San Antonio.
“The Bluebonnet scholarship was money I didn’t have to pay back,” Philip said. “It gave me a leg up. I was humbled to get it.”
“These scholarships are about more than just financial support,” said Bluebonnet’s Sherry Murphy. “They’re about believing in our local students, and seeing many of them come back to work, live and lead in the communities where they started. That’s something we’re deeply proud of.”
Applications for Scholarships of Excellence for 2026 high school graduates will be available in November at bluebonnet.coop/scholarships.
— Sara Abrego and Kirsten Tyler contributed to this story
BY THE NUMBERS
- $400,000 in scholarships awarded this spring
- 32 trade & technical scholarships awarded
- 128 academic scholarships awarded
- 29 high schools represented by recipients
- 27 years Bluebonnet has awarded scholarships
- 160 scholarship recipients in 2025
- 304 leadership positions held in student organizations
- 142 recipients with work experience
- 1,934 organizations applicants were involved in through volunteer and school activities
TOP 10 SCHOOLS RECIPIENTS PLAN TO ATTEND
- Texas A&M University
- Blinn College
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas State University
- Austin Community College
- Texas State Technical College
- Tarleton State University
- Sam Houston State University
- Angelo State University
- Universal Technical Institute
TOP 5 ACADEMIC AREAS OF STUDY RECIPIENTS PLAN TO PURSUE
- Health sciences/pre-med
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Engineering
- Business, finance and accounting
- Animal and veterinary sciences
TOP 5 TRADES RECIPENTS PLAN TO PURSUE
- Nursing
- Welding
- HVAC and electrical
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Real estate
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS
BASTROP HIGH SCHOOL
Claire Adams
Joseline Albiter
Ella Davis
Kayla Frank
Anthony Gonzalez
Emma Griesenbeck
Yesliann Matos Cirino
Mark McCarus
Lindsey McFarland
Payton Moore
Zoe Moreno
Adrian Paniagua
Sarah Salazar Hernandez
Jaxon Williams
BELLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Fallon Chovanec
Lydia Huebner
Tegan Peschel
Chase Richardson
Jaylen Tesch
BRENHAM HIGH SCHOOL
Zora Austin
Blaine Bartlett
Leyton Blankenburg
Brett Campbell
Denise Carrillo
Samuel Clepper
Garrison Covin
Landon Flisowski
Cullen Halfmann
Brody Hemann
Corbin Janner
Barrett Kohring
Alex Lawhorn
Samantha Mahlmann
Karina Maldonado
Logan Mason
Austin Maurer
Avery Maurer
Hayden Mika
Kord Mikolajchak
Haylie Niemeyer
Luis Ramos
Brandon Schultz
Addison Smith
Bailey Stegint
BURTON HIGH SCHOOL
Bailey Glaesmann
Isabelle Means
Reagan Roemer
Peyton Sigsbee
CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL
Landon Barnes
Hays Beavers
Dylan Chapman
Cooper Ellis
Brook Fry
Alison Krueger
Brenden Lee
Koy Macik
Dulce Carolina Medina
Kyler Roskey
Madilyn Schneider
Kate Smith
Brycen Suehs
Mia Witherwax
CEDAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Mia Benavides
Margaux Bonneu
Anabel Bordelon
Caleb Farr
Kaylee Fitzhugh
Faith Frank
Jazlene Gomez
Daeylin Gonzalez
Devon James
Nicole Kadura
Brooklyn McCool
Shayla Mendez-Ramirez
Tyler Morgan
Serenity Rivera
Peyton Smith
COLORADO RIVER COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
Jayton Nelson
DEL VALLE HIGH SCHOOL
Ginny Benitez-Perez
Nazariah Cedillo
Azucena Esqueda Rodriguez
DIME BOX HIGH SCHOOL
Leslie Guajardo
Adley Markert
ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL
Monserrat Espinoza-Guzman
Isadora Estrada
Jocelyn Howard
Cayli Johns
Alexander Rico Cuellar
Garrison Vragel
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Lawson Fritsch
Rylee Fritsch
GIDDINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Carlos Amaro
Kelby Cowen
Kyler Giles
Samantha Matthijetz
Ruby Meachen
Bayley Pitts
Daylin Pitts
Paige Schreckengost
Shay Siegmund
Abigail Snyder
Reese Weiser
Jazmin Zachary
GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Avila Colanter
HOMESCHOOL
Ellen Carroll
Paloma Dineen
Ryan Holmes
Mateo Martinez
Brady Masur
Emma Roth
Trey Schumpert
IDEA BLUFF SPRINGS COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Skarleth Lagos
IDEA RUNDBURG COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Melanie Ramirez Mendoza
KIPP AUSTIN COLLEGIATE
Samantha Hoyos
Nancy Perez
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Ellie Brockenbush
Kaylin Cotton
Kinley Cotton
Owen Harris
Monserrat Hernandez Pena
Caleb Huddleston
Addyson Koester
Sydney Kubicek
Preslie Milburn
Kevin Nava
Braden Rodgers
LOCKHART HIGH SCHOOL
Roman Moreno
Ricardo Rios
LULING HIGH SCHOOL
Kase Conley
Jaelynn Moses
Adriana Parra
Joselyn Reyna
Joshua Samuelson
MANOR EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Jordan Brown-Johnson
Makenzie Clark
Isabella Crawford
Mia Esqueda
MANOR NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL
Kayla Frederick
Chidinma Nwankwo
MANOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Jordan Clark
McCALLUM HIGH SCHOOL
Nahomy Rivera
McDADE HIGH SCHOOL
Joshua Dube
Kelsey Dube
Sheila Lugo Lopez Lisethe
Adalinda Ricardez
Areli Velazquez
PRAIRIE LEA HIGH SCHOOL
Gabriel Garcia
ROUND ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Peyton Turner
SMITHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Carina Berryann
Daucie Davis
Kaydence Kimball
Jacob Moore
Darcy Mullen
Kaycee Nutt
Samuel Praditbatuga
Addison Waneck
Ashlyn Wilhelm
Devin Young
SNOOK HIGH SCHOOL
Savannah Davidson
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Savannah Eschete
Applications for Scholarships of Excellence for 2026 graduates will be available in November here
Check out the story as it appears in the August 2025 issue of Texas Co-op Power magazine here.
How lineworkers stay cool on the job
Some jobs don’t pause for the heat — and that includes the work of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s lineworkers. Whether restoring power during an outage or performing routine maintenance, these essential workers often face extreme outdoor temperatures.
While routine jobs are scheduled earlier in the day to avoid peak heat, emergency repairs can happen anytime. To stay safe and perform at their best, lineworkers rely on proven strategies to beat the heat. Here are some of their go-to tips:
HYDRATE OFTEN. Water is your best friend. Add electrolyte powders with sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium to replace minerals lost sweating. Some workers prefer pickle juice — it helps with cramps and keeps you hydrated.
COOL YOUR BODY. Apply cool water or damp towels to your wrists, neck, temples and behind your knees. Cold sponges or chilled water bottles work well, too.
PROTECT YOUR HEAD. Wear a wide-brimmed hat with a wet bandana inside for sun protection and extra cooling.
TAKE SHADED BREAKS. Set up a tent or canopy for quick rest stops. Battery-powered fans or misting sprays can speed up cooling.
WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING. Even with safety gear, choose the lightest breathable materials to stay comfortable.
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS. Look for cramps, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness or fainting in yourself and teammates. Help immediately if needed.
EAT HYDRATING FOODS. Snack on watermelon, cucumbers, oranges or strawberries to boost hydration.
Guidelines to keep yourself safe in the heat
Central Texas heat arrives fast and fierce — even before summer officially begins on June 21. Consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures can be dangerous for people, pets and livestock.
Use this guide to stay safe during extreme heat. It includes signs and symptoms of heat illness, cooling strategies and regional resources to keep you informed.
Heat warning levels
Excessive Heat Outlook
Issued when an excessive heat event is possible in the next three to seven days. This early notice helps communities and emergency managers prepare in advance.
Excessive Heat Watch
Issued when conditions are favorable for a heat event within 24 to 72 hours. Temperatures and timing may still be uncertain, but the risk is elevated.
Heat Advisory
Issued within 12 hours of extremely dangerous heat conditions. This typically means:
- Heat index of 100°F or higher for at least two consecutive days
- Nighttime temperatures that remain above 75°F
Take immediate precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, which can become life-threatening.
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and become dangerous if not treated. Check yourself and others for symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
When working in the heat, monitor co-workers and ask them to do the same for you. Heat illnesses can cause confusion or unconsciousness. Adults 65 and older should have someone check on them twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check in on them regularly.
Dehydration
Symptoms:
- Thirst
- Dark yellow urine with a strong smell
- Dizzy or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth, lips or eyes
- Urinating less than four times a day
What to do:
Drink clear fluids like water, sports drinks, ice pops or clear broths. Move out of the sun and into a cooler environment.
Heat cramps
Symptoms:
- Painful muscle cramps
- Muscle spasms, often in the legs and abdomen
- Heavy sweating
What to do:
Apply firm pressure or gently massage the affected muscles. Offer small sips of water, but stop if nausea occurs. Seek medical attention if cramps last longer than an hour.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms:
- Confusion or irritability
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Weakness or fatigue
- Cool, pale, moist skin with goose bumps in the heat
- Weak but rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What to do:
Move to a cool, air-conditioned space. Stay with the person. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, or have the person sit in a cool bath. Offer frequent sips of water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen, last longer than an hour or if vomiting occurs.
Heat stroke
Symptoms:
- Throbbing headache
- Confusion or dizziness
- Nausea
- Body temperature above 103°F
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
What to do:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Move the person to a cooler area. Lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cold bath.
Use fans only indoors with air conditioning. In very high outdoor temperatures, fans may worsen the condition.
Do not give fluids.
Keeping pets cool
Keep your pets safe in the summer heat by limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours. Always provide shade and plenty of cool, fresh water when they’re outside. Help them stay cool with a raised bed or a cooling mat, vest or wrap. Plan fun, water-based activities like splash pads or sprinklers to keep your dog active and refreshed. Never leave your pet in a parked car — temperatures inside can quickly become deadly, even on milder days.
If you're hot, your pets are hotter
Our furry friends can overheat more quickly than we do. Knowing the signs of heat stress in pets could save their lives. Watch for these symptoms of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Red or bright pink gums and tongue
- Disorientation, dizziness or poor coordination
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, possibly with blood
- Low urine output
- Warm or hot skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating from paw pads
If your pet shows any of these signs, move them to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space immediately. Offer small amounts of water and contact your veterinarian.
For more, visit akc.org.
Stay informed in extreme heat
During periods of excessive heat, staying informed can help keep you, your family safe and pets.
If you live in Lee, Fayette, Travis or Bastrop counties, sign up for Warn Central Texas — a free service that sends emergency alerts by phone, text or email during events, including dangerous heat waves and power outages.
Residents of Washington, Burleson and Guadalupe counties can sign up to receive similar emergency notifications through their local emergency management offices.
For daily forecasts and up-to-date heat advisories, visit the National Weather Service.
