SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — Scioto County Career Technical Center received a generous donation of $13,000 from The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. The contribution aims to advance the Blake Rodgers Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative lineman Blake Rodgers.
Tragically, on December 23, 2022, Blake Rodgers lost his life while working to restore power during Winter Storm Elliott. The scholarship, specifically designed for students enrolled in the power line mechanic program at the Scioto County Career Technical Center in Lucasville, Ohio, where Rodgers himself attended, will assist in covering their tuition fees. Present at the event were Rodgers’ mother and stepfather, Brandie and Brandon Hale, as well as representatives from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Rural Electric.
Brandie Hale expressed the intention behind the scholarship fund, stating, “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, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to support future students in Blake Rodgers’ name. Miller emphasized the significance of the power line mechanic program, which plays a vital role in providing electricity—a service upon which our lives and businesses depend daily.
The funds donated by The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives were raised through the sale of Ohio license plates that honor fallen lineworkers.