Moorefield High School Senior Ryan Poling has been awarded a $2,500 Foundation for Rural Service College Scholarship through Hardy Telecommunications.
Ryan was recognized for the award at Hardy’s Moorefield office with a “big check” presentation. The actual scholarship check will come from the Foundation for Rural Service. As part of the program, Hardy agreed to sponsor Ryan and contribute $500 to the total $2,500 amount; the Foundation for Rural Service contributes the other $2,000.
The scholarships were awarded based on selections from a national committee. Although Hardy Telecom agreed to sponsor local applicants who received service from the company, Hardy itself had no input in the awards.
Pam Becker, executive director of FRS, said only a select number of scholarships were awarded nationwide.
“Being selected to receive an FRS scholarship was not an easy accomplishment; we received over 2,000 applications from across rural communities for the 50 scholarships to be awarded,” she wrote in her announcement communication.
Ms. Becker said Ryan’s application was “stellar” and showcased not only his academic dedication but also pride in his rural community.
“We’re excited to present this scholarship to Ryan,” said Hardy Assistant General Manager Derek Barr. “Besides going to study vocational technical fields that are much needed, Ryan recognizes the value of providing these services in rural communities.”
After graduating from MHS this spring, Ryan plans to study electrical and HVAC service at the James Rumsey Technical Institute in Berkeley County. Ryan said he chose those vocations because they are sorely needed in rural communities, where many have retired from those fields. He said a rural area offers great job opportunities for specialists in electrical, HVAC and other vocational services, and that rural residents should not need to call several different places in the hope of finding someone available with the technical expertise needed.
Ryan is the son of David and Keleen Poling of Fisher.
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) was established in 1994 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association. FRS programs advance rural communities by focusing on education for rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to the challenges of providing broadband services in rural communities.