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App State’s NRLP awards scholarships to 7 Watauga County students

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BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has named the 2025 recipients of two NRLP scholarship programs that support students pursuing higher education and careers in the energy industry. The NRLP Scholarship for incoming first-year App State students and the newly established NRLP Lineworker Scholarship were both awarded this spring.

 

The NRLP Scholarship, established in 1988, supports incoming first-year students at App State who are Watauga County residents. The award recognizes students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential and a commitment to their local community. This year, five students were selected to receive the $4,000 scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. The award is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate work.

 

The NRLP Scholarship recipients:

 

  • Samuel Broman-Fulks

  • Kaye Marion Campbell

  • Alexis Edgerton

  • Dominic Trez

  • Callan Riordan

 

“Investing in the future of our local students is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to our community,” said Matthew Makdad, NRLP general manager. “We’re proud to support these students as they begin their journeys at App State.”

 

In addition to the first-year scholarship, NRLP awarded its inaugural Lineworker Scholarship this year, which supports individuals pursuing a career in the electric utility industry. The scholarship, available to all graduating Watauga High School or Watauga Innovation Academy seniors, provides financial assistance to local students enrolling in Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Electrical Lineworker Institute. Two recipients were selected for the 2025 award cycle.

 

The NRLP Lineworker Scholarship recipients:

 

  • Noah Dishman

  • Seth Greene

 

“With growing demand for skilled utility workers, the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship helps reduce barriers for individuals entering the field,” Makdad said. “Lineworkers play a critical role in keeping our power system safe and reliable, and we’re excited to help the next generation get started.”

 

NRLP’s scholarship programs reflect the utility’s ongoing commitment to education, workforce development and public service.

 

To learn more about NRLP and its scholarship programs, visit nrlp.appstate.edu.