Jaelyn Bertsch, Jozie Kiecker Win Basin Electric Scholarships

Jaelyn Bertsch, a senior from rural Kulm, earned the top $1,500 Basin Electric Power Cooperative scholarship, with Edgeley's Jozie Kiecker claiming the $1,000 runner-up award. The two students were selected from a field of 12 high school seniors competing in Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative's service area.

Bertsch, the daughter of Hannah and Nicholas Bertsch and a senior at Kulm High School, plans to study business management and accounting at the University of Mary in Bismarck. After graduation, she intends to build a business-related career in southeastern North Dakota.

Kiecker, the daughter of Kali and Tanner Kiecker and a senior at Edgeley High School, will attend Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She plans to pursue degrees in elementary and special education, with the goal of providing needed services to rural children.

Basin Electric increased funding for its 2026 scholarship program, raising the combined award from $1,000 to $2,500 and structuring the payout as a $1,500 first-place scholarship and a $1,000 runner-up award. The scholarships are designed to recognize and encourage the achievements of the children of Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative members and go to eligible high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional community commitment.

Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative administers the program locally, selecting recipients from within its service area. The 2026 cycle drew 12 applicants.

Since Basin Electric launched the scholarship program 35 years ago, more than 6,000 young people across the cooperative system have received awards totaling $6.4 million.