Six graduating seniors received scholarships during May’s scholarship ceremony. Pictured left to right: Mason Harris, Matthew Hills, Shiris Kandel, Elliana Seyller, Cameron Trivette and Marley Woolard. Photos submitted
By Mariana Greene
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has named the 2026 recipients of two scholarship programs that support students pursuing higher education and careers in the energy industry. The NRLP Scholarship for incoming first-year App State students and the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship were both awarded this spring.
Established in 1988, the NRLP Scholarship supports incoming first-year students at Appalachian State University who are Watauga County residents. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential and a commitment to their local community. Since its creation, NRLP has provided more than $1.8 million in scholarships through the program to help local students pursue higher education at App State.
This year, five students were selected to receive the $4,000 scholarship for the 2026–27 academic year. The award is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
NRLP staff pose alongside WHS and WIA graduating seniors during Scholarship Night in May 2026. From left to right: Mariana Greene, NRLP communications specialist, Marley Woolard, Shiris Kandel, Matthew Hills, Mason Harris, and Matthew Makdad, NRLP general manager. Photo courtesy of Watauga County Schools
The 2026 NRLP Scholarship recipients:
- Matthew Hills
- Shiris Kandel
- Elliana Seyller
- Cameron Trivette
- Marley Woolard
“Supporting local students as they pursue higher education is an important part of our mission as a community-focused public power utility,” said Matthew Makdad, NRLP general manager. “We’re proud to invest in these students and help create opportunities for the next generation of leaders in the High Country.”
NRLP also awarded its second annual Lineworker Scholarship, which supports individuals pursuing a career in the electric utility industry. The scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy who plan to attend Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Electrical Lineworker Institute.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to students entering the linework profession, helping address the growing need for skilled utility workers in the energy industry. NRLP’s first Lineworker Scholarship recipient graduated from the Electrical Lineworker Institute in March 2026.
The 2026 NRLP Lineworker Scholarship recipient:
- Mason Harris
“Lineworkers are essential to maintaining safe and reliable electric service for our communities,” Makdad said. “This scholarship helps support students interested in this important career path while strengthening the future workforce of the utility industry.”
NRLP’s scholarship programs reflect the utility’s ongoing commitment to education, workforce development and public service in the High Country.
To learn more about NRLP and its scholarship programs, visit NRLP Scholarship Programs.
“Supporting local students as they pursue higher education is an important part of our mission as a community-focused public power utility.”
NRLP awards scholarships to 7 Watauga County students
Jun 16, 2025
Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power has named the 2025 recipients of two scholarship programs that support local students pursuing higher education and careers in the energy industry.
Public Power Month of Giving
At New River Light and Power, serving our community goes beyond providing reliable electric service. As a public power utility, we are locally focused and committed to supporting the people, organizations and communities we serve.
Through volunteerism, workforce development, education and community partnerships, NRLP employees work throughout the year to help make the High Country stronger.
Student Reflections
NRLP News Center exclusive reflections from the 2026 scholarship recipients
What I am most excited about for the next part of my journey is all the people and new experiences I will be able to have. I think connections within the community are what make Boone so special. Especially at App State, meeting new people will allow me to connect with others and help grow the community.
I am looking forward to change and my own growth as I move into new environments and work to become a better person than I am now. I believe change and growth are fundamental as we live and grow in our relationship with God.
I will be attending Appalachian State University this year as an Elementary Education major and a Teaching Fellow. I love working with children and look forward to completing my degree and becoming an elementary school teacher who helps students develop a love of learning. Teaching is truly my passion, and I am very excited to attend a university that is so innovative in the field of education.
I am from Kathmandu, Nepal, and I moved to the United States in 2022. I will be attending App State in the fall. I am not 100% sure about my major yet, but I am interested in pursuing something healthcare-related. I am excited for this next chapter as I will be the first in my family to attend university in the United States.
I am currently planning a dual major in Computer Science and French. I hope my future career will be in the computer science field, with my French degree providing opportunities in international and foreign job markets such as CERN in Geneva, or other roles in the U.S., Switzerland, or France. I really enjoy classical and medieval history, computers, and linguistics, each of which I have studied and enjoyed for nearly a decade. I am especially interested in the software side of computing, the early medieval period such as the Merovingians, Vandals, and Byzantines, and how languages themselves work.
I have been granted a lineworker internship as well as a lineworker scholarship. After this internship, I will be attending Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to further develop my knowledge and skills in this trade program. Thank you
About App State’s New River Light and Power
For over 110 years, New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated by Appalachian State University — has provided reliable power to residents of Western North Carolina. The utility currently serves approximately 9,000 residential and commercial customers in and around Boone, including the university. NRLP is dedicated to expanding access to higher education, contributing annually to the university’s general scholarship fund. Additionally, the utility awards NRLP scholarships to support graduating Watauga County high school seniors pursuing an App State education, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in linework. NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider and Smart Energy Provider designations, recognizing its commitment to safety, efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Learn more about App State’s New River Light and Power at nrlp.appstate.edu