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Three graduates began Bluebonnet careers as interns; two employees get advanced technical training certifications
By Connie Juarez
Fourteen apprentice lineworker graduates at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative are now prepared to join the skilled team of journeymen who provide reliable service across the cooperative’s 3,800-square-mile service area.
Three of those graduates began as lineworker interns at Bluebonnet, completing a six-month training program before beginning years of apprentice courses and on-the-job learning.
In addition to the lineworker graduates, Tristin Lagrone, a substation technician, received his certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Dillon Stavinoha, a control center operator, completed a 10-month program and proficiency exam to receive a certification as a system operator.
Each program has unique requirements for study, testing, training and work experience. Bluebonnet's lineworker apprentice program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, along with 672 hours of technical instruction, typically completed over four years. Program graduates receive certification as lineworkers from the Department of Labor.
For John Courtney, an apprentice graduate, the program offered a stable career with room for growth.
“I earned something I can really be proud of, something that’s going to help me build a better future,” said Courtney, who is based in Brenham. “If anyone’s thinking about the program, I’d say go for it and give it 100%. It’s going to be a challenge, but it definitely pays off.”
Lagrone said he was inspired by the lineworkers he saw as a child.
“I grew up in Lexington, and I can remember as a kid watching Randall Bownds and other linemen come out during storms and outages to restore power,” said Lagrone, who is based in Giddings. “I thought that was pretty cool that they could get the lights back on.” Bownds is an assistant field superintendent also working out of Giddings.
The best parts of his job, Lagrone said, are the variety each
day brings and the satisfaction of helping his community.
Several apprentice graduates spoke about how much the program has helped them grow personally, emphasizing that the skills they’ve developed go beyond just their work.
“The leadership skills I’ve gained through the program have truly changed me as a person. I apply them every day — whether it’s in my role as a husband and father, or by stepping up to give my time in the community,” said Thurston Bennett, who is based in Bastrop.
With the addition of this year’s group, 153 Bluebonnet lineworker apprentices have graduated from the program since it began in 2004.
In addition to hundreds of classroom hours, apprentices gain extensive experience in the field, learning skills such as building overhead and underground power lines, restoring power during outages, maintaining equipment, and installing and repairing meters.
Paul Herzog, superintendent in Giddings, discussed the value of the program.
“This program gives local people a chance to get into a rewarding career. It’s more than just a job — it’s about building a future, learning skills that’ll last a lifetime,” Herzog said. “By offering these opportunities, we’re not only making sure our community has the right people to keep things running smoothly, but we’re also building the next generation to serve and support the community for years to come.”
The newest Bluebonnet apprentice graduates, in addition to Courtney and Bennett, are Dustin Barker, Jordan “J.D.” Boecker, Stephen Braneff, Colton Burch, Kyle Jenke, David Martin, Colton Matthijetz, Timmy Medack, Dior Smith, Trey Townsend, Preston Vaughn and Brad Young.
Smith, Townsend and Vaughn began their careers as lineworker interns.
The intern program, which started in 2018, provides six months of technical instruction in line work. To advance into the apprentice program, participants must also obtain a power-pole climbing certification and a commercial driver’s license.
Learn more about Bluebonnet’s lineworker intern and apprenticeship programs at bluebonnet.coop/careers.
Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 14
Electric cooperatives across America will observe April 14 as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Take time to recognize the hard work and dedication of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative's lineworkers by visiting our social media pages on that day to see a special video tribute to our lineworkers. Not only are they on call to work — any time, any day of the year — to restore electricity during outages, but they install, repair, replace and maintain the cooperative's electrical equipment.
Spring officially begins March 20, bringing new opportunities to save electricity and money. Here are some ways to get started on spring energy savings.
CLEAR THE AIR
Open windows to let fresh air circulate.
COOK OUTSIDE
Soak in the sunshine by grilling or smoking meals. Or toss a salad and make sandwiches to enjoy outdoors.
SEARCH AND SEAL
Cracks and gaps let conditioned air escape. Caulk and weather strip to seal leaks, especially around windows and doors.
LET THE LIGHT IN
Open blinds and curtains and turn off lights to save electricity.
BE FAN FRIENDLY
Set ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise for cooling. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT
Set your thermostat for the milder months ahead. Consider turning it off entirely during mild weather or scheduling cooling before you arrive home if you have a smart thermostat.
TUNE UP YOUR SYSTEM
Have an HVAC technician inspect your system before the peak cooling season.
UNPLUG AND SAVE
Disconnect devices you don’t use regularly. Plugged-in devices draw power even when not in use. A smart power strip makes it easy to turn off multiple items at once.
MOVE OUTDOORS
Trade lights, TVs, computers and devices for outside activities.
Download this story as it appeared in Texas Co-op Power magazine
Cold weather happens, even if it was 80 degrees yesterday. Save electricity and save money with a few simple suggestions from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) on your water heater during the winter months. Plus, consider washing clothes in cold water.
TURN DOWN THE THERMOSTAT
You can save about 3% on your electric bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
SWITCH THE DIRECTION CEILING FANS TURN
If your fan has the capability, make the blades turn clockwise. This pulls cool air toward the ceiling and pushes warm air down.
UPGRADE YOUR FIREPLACE
Add an insert or replace your fireplace with an energy-efficient model.
LET THE SUN IN
Allow natural warmth in through the windows, especially south-facing windows.
USE SPACE HEATERS SELECTIVELY
You can save electricity by heating only the room you are in.
WEAR WARM CLOTHES
It may seem obvious, but putting on an extra sweater and adding wool socks with your slippers will let you lower your thermostat temperature.
LIMIT THE USE OF EXHAUST FANS
They suck out all the indoor air your heater has worked so hard to warm.
ELIMINATE DRAFTS
Cold winter air can sneak in around windows, doors and even electrical outlets. Weather stripping, insulation and insulated curtains can help keep warm air in.
Download this story as it appeared in Texas Co-op Power magazine
News releases
Bluebonnet awards $337,500 in scholarships to 135 area graduating high school seniors
Story by Will Holford and Melissa Segrest * Photos by Sarah Beal
This spring, 135 graduating high school seniors were awarded Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Scholarships of Excellence. After years of hard work, academic achievement and extracurricular activities, each student received a $2,500 scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or trade and technical school certification.
It was a record number of scholarships awarded by the cooperative in a single year. The recipients attended 30 high schools across Bluebonnet’s 14-county service area. Four recipients were homeschooled.
“Congratulations to these hardworking students who earned a Bluebonnet scholarship this year, and thanks to all the outstanding students who participated in the application process,” said General Manager Matt Bentke. “It is rewarding for Bluebonnet to help these students take the next step toward their academic and career goals. One of our values is supporting the communities in which we live and serve. We are proud to support these students who will continue to give back to their communities.”
More than 260 graduating high school seniors submitted scholarship applications in March of this year. Scholarships were awarded in April based on students’ academic achievement, community service and leadership, work experience and extracurricular activities, awards, honors and an essay.
Sherry Murphy, a Bluebonnet community and development representative, has been the scholarship program organizer for two years. She and the cooperative’s four other community representatives work year-round to promote the scholarship program.
“All of the representatives reach out to schools, counselors, administrators and teachers,” Murphy said. “Each school is different, so our approaches vary. We’ve also reached out to youth organizations at area churches, 4-H clubs and AgriLife program directors.”
Some of the fields of study the students plan to pursue include animal science, nursing, computer engineering, automotive mechanics, neuroscience, business, electrical and power transmission, criminal justice, dental hygiene, cybersecurity and forensic investigative science.
The graduates plan to attend major Texas universities including Texas A&M, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech, Southern Methodist and Texas State, as well as other area institutions including Blinn College and Austin Community College. Students pursuing trade or technical certifications plan to attend Texas State Technical College, Universal Technical Institute and other schools to learn about becoming diesel mechanics, mortgage loan officers and land surveyors, among other jobs.
Scholarship recipient Cooper Odenbach just graduated from Caldwell High School and plans to major in poultry science at Texas A&M. His goal is to become a poultry nutritionist. “There’s a high need for them,” he said. “They make a good amount of money, and I’ve learned about it because my father is in the poultry industry.” As an officer in FFA, Cooper judged poultry competitions. His college studies will focus on poultry nutrition and health, as well as how the industry keeps consumers safe.
“This scholarship will help me pay my tuition, and for books, classes and other expenses,” he said. “It’s an honor to receive this support from Bluebonnet.”
To be eligible for a Scholarship of Excellence, a student must reside with a parent or guardian who is a Bluebonnet member. Students may attend a public or private high school, or be homeschooled.
Bluebonnet members do not pay for the scholarships through bill payments or electric rates. Scholarships of Excellence are funded through Bluebonnet’s Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament and unclaimed capital credit payments to former members that are returned to Bluebonnet from the State of Texas.
In the last 20 years, Bluebonnet has awarded 1,191 scholarships totaling $2.5 million.
Applications for Scholarships of Excellence for students who plan to graduate in the 2024-2025 school year will open in November at bluebonnet.coop/scholarships.
Bastrop scholarship reception
Brenham scholarship reception
Giddings scholarship reception
Maxwell scholarship reception
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PROFILES
Johnique ‘J.T.’ Thomas
MANOR EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Johnique “J.T.” Thomas is an ambitious young man driven by a deeply personal mission to revolutionize healthcare, specifically women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth. Those areas of healthcare have impacted his family and raised his awareness of problems. His experiences have motivated him to work hard, excel in school and support his community.
- Hometown: Elgin
- Where he plans to study: U.S. Air Force Academy
- Skills excited to learn: Leadership: ‘‘I’m going to learn how to lead effectively, not just in the military, but over an entire community.’’
- Area of study: Biology
- Future plans: Maternal-fetal medicine doctor at a free clinic in Elgin or Manor
- Career aspirations: U.S. surgeon general
- Hobbies: Cooking, tending to cows and miniature donkeys on his family farm, and playing football; J.T. earned a football scholarship to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he will continue playing at the center position.
- Surprising trait: Despite his apparent ease when talking with others about his goals, J.T. says he is shy.
“My final goal is to become U.S. surgeon general. As a doctor, I’ll be able to help patients, and when I open my clinic, I’ll be able to help my community. But as surgeon general, I’ll be able to help not just Americans, but provide and build trust to help the world.”
Paisley Smith
CEDAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Paisley Smith has her sights set on a future in computer programming. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science at The University of Texas at Austin, aiming to specialize in artificial intelligence or machine learning. “I hope to contribute to the innovation of technology with programming, since that is something I am very passionate about,” Paisley said. While the scholarship reduces the cost of a college education and validates her hard work, Paisley said she sees it as an opportunity to focus on coursework. She hopes to become part of the Turing Scholars Honors Program for computer science students at UT.
- Hometown: Cedar Creek
- Favorite class: Statistics: ‘‘My teacher Jessica McAnnally-Linz has had the most impact on me. Under her guidance, I learned effective college-level study habits and developed a genuine enjoyment for learning.”
- Favorite extracurricular activity: Code Ninjas, an after-school program that provides high-quality coding training
- Career aspiration: Software engineer
- Advice to her younger self: Explore your personal interests early: “I discovered my passion for computer science during my junior year, so sometimes I wish I had looked into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) earlier.”
- College goals: Gain the skills, knowledge and education to become a software engineer or computer programmer
“The scholarship serves as an acknowledgment of my potential and abilities, and I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.”
Kaylee Sodolak
BRENHAM HIGH SCHOOL
Kaylee Sodolak grew up in Washington County. At 16, she earned a veterinary assistant certificate after 500 hours of volunteer work at Brenham Veterinary Hospital and acing a written test. It is her proudest accomplishment. With two pets to care for at home — Sky, a 4-year-old Maltipoo, and Gracie, a 2-year-old cat — Kaylee’s love for animals has been a big part of her life. “As I started volunteering, I got to learn more about the different types of animals you get to work with, and I found a passion for it,” she said. “I was always excited to go to the vet and see a new client every day, learn about what’s wrong with them and be a part of helping them. That inspired me to keep earning my hours and start studying for the vet assistant exam.” Kaylee plans to continue her education at Texas A&M University after completing courses in animal science at Blinn College in Brenham
- Hometown: Brenham
- Favorite class: Veterinary medicine applications: “It has helped prepare me for life after high school as I continue on my path to becoming a small- and large-animal veterinarian.”
- Favorite animal: Dogs, because they’re energetic and sweet
- Where she plans to study: Blinn College in Brenham
- Area of study: Animal science
- Career aspirations: Veterinarian
- Greatest accomplishment: Obtaining a veterinary assistant certificate, which requires an exam, 500 hours of work experience and demonstrating hands-on experience
“I will miss my family the most after moving away from home. My parents have had the biggest influence on my life. They always tell me to never give up and to do my best. I’ll always remember that and their unwavering support.”
Karley Schulz
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
One of the happiest moments in Karley Schulz’s life was holding her niece Swayzi for the first time. “Seeing her tiny face and feeling her warmth filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and love that I'll never forget,” she said. This is one of the reasons Karley is excited to pursue a career as a sonographer — to provide compassion and support for expectant parents during ultrasound appointments. “Being able to share in their joy and excitement as they see their baby for the first time is a unique and rewarding experience,” she said. “I look forward to developing the skills necessary to create a comfortable and reassuring environment for these special moments.”
- Hometown: Lexington
- Best thing about hometown: Small, tight-knit community with family
- Where she plans to study: Temple College
- Area of study: Diagnostic medical sonography
- Skills most excited to learn: Providing compassion and support during sonography appointments
- Career aspirations: Traveling sonographer, then sonographer at a hospital or an obstetrics-gynecology clinic in Bluebonnet’s service area
- Role model: Heather Exner, Karley’s mother: “She constantly motivates me to strive for excellence, even during challenging times when I feel like giving up.”
“I plan to utilize my trade to provide mothers in the community with images of their babies, aiming to provide feelings of support and excitement. By offering this service, I hope to create cherished memories for expecting mothers and contribute to a positive experience during such a significant time in their lives.”
Skylar Dredla
LULING HIGH SCHOOL
Skylar Dredla was introduced to radiology in eighth grade after fracturing her wrist in a junior high basketball game. After having X-rays, she became fascinated with the use of technology to diagnose injuries, because it’s often the first step toward healing. “I have a heart for people, and I knew that I could connect with being a radiology technician because of that,” she said. As a sophomore in high school, Skylar took a medical terminology class with teacher Sreya Patel that sparked her passion for science and medicine. She continued her education in anatomy, physiology and pathology, and earned a certified nursing aide credential in 2023.
- Hometown: Luling
- Favorite teacher: Sreya Patel, health science teacher: “I will remember her as the teacher who led me to my career path.”
- Where she plans to study: Blinn College in Brenham
- Area of study: Applied sciences, specializing in radiologic technology
- Career aspirations: Specialize in magnetic resonance imaging after earning radiology certification
- Best advice received: “Create the world you want to live in” from actress and podcast host Sadie Robertson
- Hobbies: Sports, particularly volleyball, basketball and softball. Skylar looks forward to participating in intramural sports in college
- Impact of her scholarship: It will help Skylar reach her goal of graduating from college debt-free
“This past school year, my (certified nursing aide) class had the opportunity to intern at Magnolia Living & Rehabilitation nursing home in Luling. This experience showed me that I want to pursue a role that allows me to help others and make a difference in their lives. One of my happiest moments has been spending time with the residents there and giving each one my time to show how much I care for them.”
A FAMILY TRADITION
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative awarded its first scholarships in 1998 to eight area high school graduates. Andrew Woodward was one of those students and today his daughter, Louise Woodward, is following in his academic footsteps.
This spring, Louise received a Scholarship of Excellence from the cooperative. Andrew, 44, gratefully remembers his scholarship. He knew back then he wanted to study biology. “I always enjoyed nature, plants and animals when I was a kid,” he said. Andrew used the scholarship to go to Rice University in Houston, graduating with a double major in biology and biochemistry, and then getting a doctorate in biochemistry there.
Louise also wants to major in biology, and plans to use her scholarship to attend St. Edward’s University in Austin. While her father’s focus was plant genetics, Louise is more interested in working with people. “My current plan is to be a heart ultrasound technician,” she said.
A love of learning runs in the family: Tina Henderson Woodward, Andrew’s wife and Louise’s mother, went to Blinn College in Brenham and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, earning undergraduate and master’s degrees in education and library science.
Their eldest daughter Margaret Woodward, 21, is entering her senior year at Rice and majoring in history. In 2020, she was chosen to represent Bluebonnet on the annual Government Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. and receive a scholarship from the cooperative.
Andrew was a biology professor at several Central Texas colleges and universities, and has taught at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton for 13 years. Tina is Lexington HIgh School's librarian and campus testing coordinator. Their daughters have grown up on the Woodward family ranch in Lexington. Youngest sibling Charlotte Woodward, 15, who just finished her high school freshman year, has time to decide on her future. One thing is certain for her, Andrew said: “She’ll be encouraged to apply for a Bluebonnet scholarship.”
About 500 Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members and guests gathered at The Silos on 77 event center in Giddings on Tuesday, May 14, for the co-op’s Annual Meeting. Attendees enjoyed live music, heard reports highlighting Bluebonnet’s successes during 2023 and early 2024, re-elected two directors, and won door prizes.
Two incumbent directors in this year’s Board election were re-elected. Shana Whiteley, director from District 2, Travis County, has served on Bluebonnet’s board since 2017. Bryan Bracewell, one of three directors from District 3, Bastrop County, has served on Bluebonnet’s Board since 2018.
“Congratulations to Directors Whiteley and Bracewell,” Board Chairman Ben Flencher said. “I am very proud to serve with them and our fellow directors representing Bluebonnet’s members.”
Bluebonnet is a member-owned electric cooperative governed by a nine-member Board. Bluebonnet’s members elect their directors, who serve staggered three-year terms. One third of the Board of directors is up for election every year.
The business portion of the Annual Meeting began with Board Chairman Ben Flencher thanking members for supporting Bluebonnet and recognizing the tremendous growth occurring in the co-op’s area.
“Bluebonnet has a wonderful history and a bright future,” Flencher said. “The area Bluebonnet serves is where people want to live. Our exceptional staff is committed to providing the power that our members need.”
General Manager Matt Bentke closed out the business portion of the meeting with highlights of Bluebonnet’s performance. Bluebonnet continues to benefit from historic growth in meters and commercial and industrial growth, providing the foundation for financial and operational success. Bluebonnet’s electric rate is one of the lowest in the state and the co-op plans to return $10.37 million in capital credits to members in 2024.
“Bluebonnet’s outstanding financial and operational success supports our goal of benefitting all stakeholders – our electric system, members and communities we serve,” Bentke said. “During the past year we have added more assets, made more improvements and completed more maintenance on our electric system than at any other time during our 85-year history.”
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $6.23 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative, an increase of more than $500,000 over last year. Beginning in May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of $6.23 million in capital credits.
“We are proud to return historic amounts in capital credits to our members year after year,” said Ben Flencher, Bluebonnet’s board chairman. “It demonstrates the commitment from our Board of Directors and employees to invest in and serve Bluebonnet’s members and communities for more than 85 years.”
Capital credits are revenue above what it takes to operate the co-op. Every April, Bluebonnet’s Directors approve the capital credits payment. When determining how much to return to members, the Directors consider the impact that the amount returned to members will have on electric rates and the co-op’s financial strength.
The amount each member gets back depends on how much electricity they used in previous years through 2023 and how long they have been a Bluebonnet member. Current members will see a credit on their May electric bill for their share of this year’s capital credits retirement. Former members who are still owed a capital credit will be mailed a check in May or June.
During the past 20 years, Bluebonnet has returned $94 million to members in capital credits.
“The continued, historic growth in Bluebonnet’s service area and sound fiscal management has enabled Bluebonnet to return record amounts in capital credits the past several years,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “In addition to having one of the lowest electric rates in the state, the credit our members will see on their bills in May is one of the most important benefits of being a member-owner of Bluebonnet.”