Pioneer Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, supporting the educational goals of outstanding students across its service area.

This year, Pioneer Electric awarded $1,000 scholarships to 12 high school seniors to support their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are part of the cooperative’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves and encouraging the success of future leaders. They were made possible through the generous donations of Pioneer Electric members who participate in the Operation Round Up program.

Scholarship recipients were selected by an independent committee based on academic achievement, community involvement, leadership and letters of recommendation. 

This year’s recipients are: 

Bryant Ballew. Bryant is the son of Brad and Abbie Ballew. He is graduating from Fort Dale Academy and will attend Mississippi State University to major in Ag / Poultry Science.

Kylie Calame. Kylie is the daughter of Lee and Kea Calame. She’s graduating from Morgan Academy and will attend Auburn University to major in pre-dentistry or nursing.

Janiyah Fails. Janiyah is the daughter of Jessica Fails. She is graduating from Greenville High School. She will attend UAB to study Kinesiology. 

Ava Gardner. Ava is the daughter of Josh and Hilarie Gardner. She is graduating from Fort Dale Academy and will attend Troy University to study nursing.

Ceil Gregory. Ceil is the daughter of Jason and Ann Steiner Gregory. She is graduating from Fort Dale Academy and will attend Auburn University to study pre-law.

Mary Katherine Jones. Mary Katherine is the daughter of Ty and Jessica Jones. She is graduating from Fort Dale Academy and will attend Faulkner University to study nursing.

Isaac Lowery. Issac is the son of Jeremy and April Lowery. He is graduating from Fort Dale Academy. He will attend Auburn University to study drug and biopharmaceutical sciences.

Carter Scruggs. Carter is the son of Jason and Christi Scruggs. He is graduating from McKenzie High School and will attend LBW to study industrial electronics.

Cconite Smith, III. Cconite is the son of Undria Smith and Cconite Smith, Jr. He is graduating from Greenville High School and will attend Alabama A&M University to study computer science.

Brady Smith. Brady is the son of Michael and Wendy Smith. He is graduating from McKenzie High School and will attend LBW to study industrial electronics.

Whit Smith. Whit is the son of Michael and Wendy Smith. He is graduating from McKenzie High School and will attend LBW to study industrial electronics.

Casey Yeager. Casey is the daughter of Jamie and Wendy Yeager. She is graduating from Morgan Academy and will attend Auburn University Montgomery to study biology.