Co-op sponsored scholarships are giving a helping hand to an aspiring nurse, a future finance/business professional, and an enterprising law enforcement officer as part of the 2026 scholarship program. Three area students were selected for scholarships from Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Northern Electric.
Aberdeen Central High School senior Kaylee Kiesow was selected as the $1500 scholarship from Basin Electric. Claire Crawford, a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli High School, will receive Basin’s $1000 scholarship. Doland High School senior Noah Felderman was selected for Northern’s $500 scholarship.
Kaylee, Claire, and Noah will receive their scholarships when they enroll in classes in the fall. The applications were blind judged by a panel of Northern Electric employees.
Kaylee Kiesow: $1500 Basin Scholarship
Kaylee has a 4.381 GPA, and plans to become a world clinic medical practitioner. It will combine her two interests: helping others and travel.
“My dad works at the airport. I grew up with opportunity to travel around the world,” Kaylee said. “Just being exposed to the world has been really rewarding.”
Kaylee is taking dual credit classes, serves as the President of National Honors Society, Secretary of Student Senate, and pioneered the local chapter of HOSA- Future Health Professionals, for which she serves as the secretary. Kaylee captains the soccer team and was awarded Outstanding Senior and Spirit of the Eagle. In addition, she qualified for the 2025 South Dakota High School Activities Association Academic All-State team
Kaylee has already taken steps to achieve her goals. She is a certified nurse assistant and works at Bethesda Home. In addition, Kaylee has completed a nine-week internship at a local hospital.
In the fall, Kaylee will attend Minnesota State University in Moorhead to pursue a degree in nursing and a minor in international relations.
“My travel experiences broadened my perspective on life and deepened my understanding of how societal and cultural norms are influenced by both the presence and absence of reliable resources, like electricity,” Kaylee said.
Claire Crawford: $1000 Basin Scholarship
Claire has a 4.056 GPA, and plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration with minors in Accounting and Finance at Dakota Wesleyan University. Claire plans to work in finance as a loan officer, or something similar that uses a lot of math.
“I really like numbers,” Claire said. “I’ve always really enjoyed math.”
Claire is a math tutor, serves as Student Body Vice President, takes dual credit classes, and is a member of National Honor Society. She received the ACSS President’s Reach Out award, as well as the Dan Wold Cavalier of Character and SDHSAA Excellence in Journalism -Editorial. In 2022-23, she was named the hardest worker on the basketball team and was made team Captain this year. In addition, Claire was part of the state all tournament golf team three times.
Claire will have two internships under her belt before starting college. She already completed an internship with Agtegra under the Chief Financial Officer. Now, she is interning at Health Care Plus Credit union. This way, she experiences both sides of business finance.
“As one of many students who live in a rural area, having a cooperative that services our electricity is vital to completing schoolwork and dual credits, as almost every assignment is online and without the internet students would not be able to do so,” Claire said.
Noah Felderman: $500 Northern scholarship
Noah has a 3.84 GPA, and will earn his private pilot license this summer before pursuing an associate degree in Law Enforcement at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown. After graduation, Noah would like to work at South Dakota Highway Patrol as part of the aviation division. While at college, Noah will pursue additional aviation ratings.
Noah’s career path is a direct result of his ice cream business, Feldy’s Ice Cream, which he started when he was 12 years old. While working at his business, Noah got to know a Sheriff’s Deputy in Hamlin County.
“He offered for me to go on a ride along,” Noah said. “I never really thought it would be my career, but the ride along changed the way I look at law enforcement.”
Noah has already completed an internship with the Spink County Sheriff’s Office.
Noah serves as Doland FFA Chapter President and is a member of Student Council. He was named the FFA Chapter Scholar, was the Academic Letter Recipient for all four years and the Academic Achievement Award for the last three years. His ice cream business placed first at the Big Idea Competition in Aberdeen and was a top 10 finalist at the SD Governor’s Economic Development Giant Vision Competition.
“The electricity provided by our electric cooperative strengthens our community and makes it a safer, stronger, and better place to live and work,” Noah said.