Sawnee Electric Membership Corp. has awarded 11 scholarships of $3,500 each to local high school seniors starting college this fall.

One of the recipients is Dawson County High School’s Katie Simmons.

On March 22, the foundation’s board of directors approved the recipients of the 2011 youth scholarship awards.

Sawnee EMC established a non-profit charitable association in 2003 known as the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation. It assists local organizations in Sawnee EMC’s seven-county service area.

The foundation receives funding through the Operation Round-Up Program, which accepts voluntary donations from Sawnee EMC members who choose to round-up their monthly energy bill to the next highest dollar to support local charities.

Since its inception, the foundation has given back over $1 million locally to those that are in need.

The scholarship recipients were honored at a reception held at Sawnee EMC on April 12.

Stated Vice President Blake House: “It is such a great opportunity to be able to assist these students in furthering their education.”