SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — In an emotional ceremony held on Tuesday the Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives (OEC) presented a generous donation of $13,000 to the Scioto County Career Technical Center. The funds will be used to advance the Blake Rodgers Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of a local lineman who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Blake Rodgers, a Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative lineman, died while restoring power during Winter Storm Elliott on December 23, 2022. To honor his memory and dedication to his work, the scholarship will help cover tuition costs for students attending the power line mechanic program at the Lucasville-based technical center, Rodgers’ alma mater.
Brandie and Brandon Hale, Rodgers’ mother and stepfather, attended the presentation, together with representatives from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Rural Electric. Expressing deep emotion, Brandie Hale said, “Blake touched so many lives in one way or another. Through the scholarship fund, we intend to keep Blake’s memory alive by continuing to help others, as Blake would have.”
Doug Miller, Vice President of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and The Community Foundation, echoed her sentiments. “The Community Foundation is honored to provide financial resources in Blake Rodgers’ name to help future students obtain initial training as they begin to pursue a career in a field that is vital to us all,” said Miller. “Our lives and businesses depend on electricity every day and linemen like Blake make it possible to receive this essential service.”
The donation, in a profound tribute to fallen lineworkers, was raised from the sale of Ohio license plates bearing their honor. This initiative not only helps support the training of future linemen but also continually reminds the public of the crucial and often dangerous work these brave individuals undertake. The gift will continue Rodgers’ legacy of service, illuminating the path for aspiring linemen to follow in his footsteps.
