Tessa Tonkel, a Columbia City student, received an $1,000 college scholarship from Northeastern REMC. Photo provided by NREMC.

Press Release

COLUMBIA CITY — A Columbia City teenager was recently awarded an $1,000 college scholarship from Northeastern REMC, a member-owned electric cooperative powering six counties in northeast Indiana.

Tessa Tonkel, daughter of Todd and Sue Tonkel, Columbia City, will attend Indiana University this fall to study nursing.

At Columbia City High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society for two years and the basketball team for four years. She also served as a basketball mentor and a youth league coach, among other community activities.

In her teacher’s recommendation letter, Tonkel was noted as a role model to other students, dedicated to her studies, and successfully balanced the demands of academic excellence, working a part-time job and contributing as a leader on the basketball team.

NREMC awards scholarships based on academic achievement, community involvement, and recommendations.

“We are proud to offer this scholarship program each year,” said Eric Jung, Northeastern REMC CEO. “There is no better way to encourage our local students to pursue higher education than by giving them financial help.”