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Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) has announce the eight recipients of its 2020 scholarship program, each awarded $1,000 for their post-secondary education costs.

This year’s scholarship recipients are as follows:

Malina Luke, sister of CRC employee Rena Cooley and a 2020 graduate of Southland Senior High in Adams, plans to attend Riverland Community College to pursue a degree in nursing.

Katherine Schramek, daughter of CRC employee Julie Schramek, is a 2020 graduate of Austin High School. Katherine will attend Riverland Community College in the fall and plans to pursue a degree in environmental education.

Avery Thompson, daughter of CRC employee Paul Thompson, is a 2020 graduate of Austin High School as well. Avery plans to attend the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., to study exercise physiology and kinesiology.

Mia Fjelsta, the daughter of CRC employee Brad Fjelsta, is a 2020 graduate of Albert Lea Senior High School in Albert Lea, Minn. Mia plans to attend Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., to double major in accounting and forensic science.

Winners from outside the state included Hudson Hawkins (Cooper High School, Abilene, Texas), Paige Narrramore (Sequatchie County High School, Dunlap, Tennessee), Amber Palmer (Cooper High School, Abilene, Texas), Emily Beavers (Sequatchie County High School, Dunlap, Tennessee).

This is the 12th year CRC has offered a scholarship program to local graduates. In October 2019, students in the communities in which CRC has offices — Austin, Dunlap, and Abilene — were invited to apply for a 2020 CRC scholarship. The scholarship recipients were selected in May.

“As these students wrap up an unexpectedly difficult final high school year due to stay-at-home orders, we hope receiving one of CRC’s $1,000 scholarships offers them comfort and support as they continue their educational journeys,” said Chris Holt, CRC’s president and CEO. “Congratulations to the students on their high school achievements. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to community are to be commended.”