Homer Electric Association announced winners of its safety poster contest, youth rally participants and scholarship winners during its annual meeting on May 7.

HEA’s annual Safety Poster Contest elevates awareness of electrical energy by challenging third- and fourth-graders to think about the benefits, as well as potential hazards, associated with electric use. Students are encouraged to create a safety message that can be expressed through art.

Best Safety Message — Avrie Medina, 4th Grade, K-Beach Elementary

Most Creative Message — Emilia Rodriguez, 3rd Grade, K-Beach Elementary

Most Humorous Message — Lucas Story, 3rd Grade, McNeil Canyon Elementary

The Youth Rally is a week long summer camp specifically tailored for high school students in grades 10 and 11, designed to develop leadership skills, foster teamwork, strengthen communication techniques, highlight the unique qualities of electric cooperatives and increase awareness regarding important issues faced by the utility industry. The Youth Rally is held in Idaho and is a joint effort between statewide co-ops and the National Rural Electric Cooperative. Youth rally participants will be Michael Lewis, 11th Grade, Soldotna High School, and Jackson Blackwell, 10th Grade, Soldotna High School.

HEA’s Scholarship Program is an outreach investment opportunity available to high school seniors and adults in pursuit of higher education. The award value and scholarship quantity is determined annually by the Board of Directors and funded by the interest earned on unclaimed capital credits.

$1,000 Scholarship Awards — Hailey Ames, Soldotna High School; Ajiel Basmayor, Ninilchik School; Justin Dahlgren, Soldotna High School; Ali Dusek, Soldotna High School; Claire Kincaid, Soldotna High School; Sabina Kryshak-Karwowski, Homer High School; Tisha Lovett, Homer High School; Kirsten Nyquist, Kenai Central High School; Madison Orth, Cook Inlet Academy.

Other/Continuing Education Category $1,000 Scholarship Awards — Dagmar Badger, District 2; Karmen Classen, District 3; Clara Noomah, District 3.

Most Creative Message – Emilia Rodriguez, 3rd Grade, K-Beach Elementary

Best Safety Message – Avrie Medina, 4th Grade, K-Beach Elementary