Josie McCotter of Simpsonville  was selected as the first runner-up in the 2025 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship program presented by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, the trade association for South Carolina’s independent, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. She will receive a $2,500 college scholarship for her project, “Leavening Agents for Literacy.”  

McCotter, 17, was among a group of high school students from across the state who created, led and completed community service projects this summer. The grand prize winner, Yiqing Ye of Mt. Pleasant, received a $5,000 scholarship for his project, “Fundraising and volunteer initiative for Landmarks for Familes.”

“We’ve never awarded a runner-up prize in the history of our scholarship competition, “said Van O’Cain, public and member relations director for The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. “But we know what a special young lady Josie is, and the hard work she put into her project—combined with its impact—made it worthy of recognition.”

McCotter raised $1,500 to purchase sensory and mathematic supplies for a special education program at Welcome Elementary in Greenville. She sold gluten-free and allergy sensitive baking mixes. She also baked and sold cookies to raise funds.

“Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of leading my team was reaching the goal,” said McCotter. “Visiting the school, meeting the teachers and seeing some of the students made the work all worthwhile. This project gave my summer a real purpose.”

McCotter completed her project after attending the electric co-ops’ annual Washington Youth Tour program—which sends rising high school seniors to Washington, D.C., for a week each summer. She was one of six local students chosen by Laurens Electric Cooperative to attend the trip with a total of 71 students from across South Carolina.

McCotter is a senior at First Presbyterian Academy at Shannon Forest in Greenville. To view McCotter's project, the surprise announcement and her post-win interview, click here.

The R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship is named for Robert D. Bennett, the first general manager and executive vice president of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. Bennett, who led the state association from 1950 until his retirement in 1980, strongly believed that electric cooperatives should support their local communities—providing a better quality of life for their members. His spirit of community service is reflected in this scholarship opportunity.