Local Initiatives
Winners on the Court and Off
Basketball fans weren’t the only ones rewarded at the recent Touchstone Energy® All “A” Classic. Dozens of Kentucky students came away with a helping hand for college.
The last second shot winner in boys’ final is congratulated. (Photo By: Tim Webb)
“The All ‘A’ Classic gave out 60 $1,000 scholarships to students in small schools all across Kentucky,” said Jeff Hohman, manager of member services at Winchester-based East Kentucky Power Cooperative, one of the co-ops involved in the annual event. “In the next few months, another $30,000 of in-kind scholarships will be distributed.”
The All “A” basketball tournament begins with boys and girls competing at the local level. “The winner of each of those regions comes to Frankfort and is paired up in a state tournament,” Hohman said. That was played Jan. 25-29 at the Frankfort Convention Center.
Spectators attending the games were well aware of the 16 Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that sponsor the event.
“There was signage from us all over the arena,” Hohman said, adding that press releases were sent out regionally and at the state level. And there was an added bonus of holding the tournament in Kentucky’s state capital.
“The state General Assembly was in session. So not only did all the fans get to hear the message about Touchstone Energy’s commitment to these students and the community, but many of the decision makers and policymakers were here to meet their constituents,” Hohman said. “That was a benefit we hadn’t counted on.”
Some of the lawmakers would come to the arena to catch the basketball action. “It doesn’t matter what you do,” Hohman said, “You love basketball in Kentucky.”
And no one was disappointed—either in the stands or on the court.
“The basketball quality is exceptional,” Hohman said. “For these kids who regularly play in small venues, it’s something they’ll never forget.”
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Tags: Co-op News, Commitment to Community, Local Initiatives, Touchstone Energy