January 2026 | The Power of Good People, Community

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. He shared the best advice he ever received—something his mother told him when he was just 14: “Only let good people get on your bus.”

Hearing him say it in person made the message hit differently. Coach K explained how that simple idea shaped every team he built. Talent matters, but character matters more. Skills can win games, but the right people—good people—shape culture, build trust, and help you go further than you could ever go alone.

As we approach the new year, that message connects well to scholarship season at SEMO Electric Cooperative. Scholarships are available to high school seniors whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is a member-owner. The 2025–2026 application period is open through February 2, 2026. Students can visit gosemo.com or talk with their school counselor to get started.

In May 2025, 74 students each received an $800 scholarship, as highlighted in the July 2025 issue of Rural Missouri. A total of $59,200 came directly from Operation Round-Up, a program that rounds up a member’s bill to the nearest dollar. Since 2008, members have helped contribute $1,237,950 to support area youth.

A penny may not seem powerful in today’s economy, but thousands of pennies working together create real opportunity for students who will shape our communities in the years ahead.

The SEMO Electric Foundation Scholarship can be received only once and is not renewable. Funds will be awarded before the 2026 fall semester once students provide proof of full-time enrollment at an accredited college, university, or vocational school.

Operation Round-Up is simple: each month, SEMO Electric “rounds up” the electric bill of participating members to the next highest dollar. These tax-deductible pennies add up—one penny at a time.

As we kick off the new year, we appreciate your support as an electric member and/or fiber subscriber. We wish you a safe and joyous 2026.

Book of the Month: “What am I speaking over myself, my family, and those God has put in my life? Whom do I allow to speak into my life? Words are powerful. I believe they are more important than most people realize. They are often the rudder that steers the ship, setting you on a certain course.” Tiger Style by Brian Smith

Keep pushing foward! Be smart. Act safely.

Vanslyke is general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative.