West Central Electric Cooperative is proud to announce Kiley Bieri and Morgan Nelson as the winners of the 2026 John & Kathryn English Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000 award is a four-year renewable scholarship.

Bieri is an 11-year member of Hitt 4-H Club. She plans to attend the University of Central Missouri to study event marketing and management.

Bieri lists her involvement in community service through her 4-H club as her greatest benefit from the organization.“Community service is important because it encourages personal growth, strengthens communities and creates a positive impact,” she said. “Throughout my years in 4-H, I have participated in many community service projects. Participating in community service projects has helped shape my character and encouraged me to become a more responsible and compassionate individual.” Bieri attends Lafayette County C-I High School and is the daughter of Matt and Kristi Bieri.

Nelson is a 13-year member of 4-H and is a current member of Walkenezer 4-H Club. She plans to attend College of the Ozarks and study horticulture.Nelson said serving as a 4-H camp counselor is the opportunity she counts as her most “Since my family moved several times during my childhood, I was never able to attend 4-H camp. However, when the opportunity arose to be a counselor, I could not resist,” she said. “This past year, I was a senior counselor in my cabin, so I was in charge of all 25 girls, including my junior counselors and counselors in training. This opportunity has benefitted me in more than one way, helping me to prepare for my future.”Nelson attends Concordia High School and is the daughter of Nate and Carie Nelson.

The John and Kathryn English Memorial Scholarship trust was created by the English family to assist students, who are active members of 4-H at the time of their high school graduation, with their educational expenses. The trust named West Central Electric Cooperative’s board of directors as the administrators of the scholarship. John English served on WCE’s board of directors from 1942 to 1983.