WHITE COUNTY, Ill. — Meadow Springs Renewable Energy has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two graduating seniors from Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE) High School, helping support their higher education and future career aspirations.

The Meadow Springs Renewable Energy Scholarship Program awarded $5,000 each to Breyton Sauls and Kelsey Lowery in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to their communities.

Sauls plans to attend Southeastern Illinois College to complete his general education courses before transferring to the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. His long-term goal is to return to the area and serve as a veterinarian.

“My long-term goal is to return to my community and practice as a veterinarian, providing quality care to the animals and families I grew up around,” Sauls said. “I’m committed to building a career that not only fulfills my passion for animal health but also strengthens and supports the place I call home.”

Lowery is looking towards a career in nursing and extending it to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“My next steps in my education are to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Evansville using the Degree in 3 program,” Lowery said. “After this, I aspire to attend nurse anesthesia schooling.”

Meadow Springs Renewable Energy is developing a 150-megawatt solar and battery storage project in White County. The project is designed to provide reliable electricity to Illinois’ power grid while supporting local economic development and community investment initiatives.

Project officials said they will continue working with local stakeholders to identify community priorities and future investment opportunities throughout White County.