– Virgil Jansen, of Montrose, IL, Lane Brummer of Dietrich, IL, and Caleb Stevens of West Salem, IL were this year’s recipients of the Wayne-White County Electric Co-Op Scholarship in honor of Gerry Kinney.
The Wayne-White County Electrical Co-Op Scholarship was designed specifically for EDS students at Frontier and covers the tuition, fees, and books of the recipient. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates passion and ambition for developing a lineman career; something Gerry enjoyed for 17 years.
Gerry’s career was cut short after an accident involving a 7,200-volt power line severely burned him and forced the removal of both hands and forearms. Overcoming this challenging obstacle, Gerry has become a positive influence and inspiration to many. He enjoys sharing his story with current and future lineman while reinforcing the importance of safety in the electrical field.
The EDS program is a one-year certification curriculum that provides training in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. Students also learn safe practices, pole climbing, hurt man rescue, and equipment operation. For more information, visit iecc.edu or call FCC at (618) 842-3711.
