On Tuesday night, OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc. announced Piedmont High School senior Blaine Granger as one of its 2023 OGE Positive Energy Scholars. As a Positive Energy Scholar, Blaine will receive a total of $60,000 in scholarship funds over four years to cover tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board.

Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) representatives, Piedmont Public Schools Interim Superintendent Lisa Campbell, teachers, students, and other members of the community gathered at Piedmont High School to surprise Blaine after an award ceremony to celebrate his academic accomplishments. The Positive Energy Scholarship will provide Blaine the opportunity to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall and major in music education without the financial burden often associated with pursuing a higher education.

“Congratulations to Blaine, one of our 2023 Positive Energy Scholars and the second winner from Piedmont High School," said Sean Trauschke, OGE Energy Corp. Chairman, President and CEO. “Blaine's passion for learning and volunteering shows his dedication to academics and uplifting others in the community. It is an honor to play a role in strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce by empowering today’s youth and tomorrow's leaders.”

This year’s Positive Energy Scholars program was competitive, and Blaine was selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants. In addition to his academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities and community service, Blaine’s commitment to learning and serving others impressed the PES selection committee.

“Plato said, "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm to everything in life,” said Amy Swaim, a virtual electives instructor at Piedmont Public Schools who nominated Blaine for this award. “I think no statement could more encapsulate Blaine Granger. Blaine has an infectious enthusiasm that when coupled with his passion for music brings excitement and joy to all of those around him. It has been my privilege to know him and have been his teacher. I look forward to seeing all the bright and beautiful things he accomplishes as he leaves Piedmont High School.”

Blaine is a member of the Drum Corps International competitive marching band. Last summer, he traveled to more than 20 states to compete at the highest level for performers ages 16-22. He is a leader among members of the Pride of Piedmont, serving as lead trumpet in the high school jazz band and first chair in the wind ensemble. He also was inducted into the National Honor Society, served as a community volunteer, all while working a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant and starting his own business teaching trumpet lessons. When he’s not focusing on academics or volunteering in the community, Blaine enjoys playing the trumpet and composing music, cooking, and building and marketing his music-lesson business.

“At OG&E, we energize education and believe in investing in our students,” said Lindsay Laird, OG&E Manager of Community Outreach and Engagement. “Paving this path to higher education is life-changing for the students and their families. We are proud to award this scholarship opportunity and financial support to changemakers like Blaine.”

Established in 2019, the OGE Positive Energy Scholarship empowers academically strong students to pursue a degree in a STEM-related major by providing critical financial support. Eligible students must meet specific criteria to be considered, including:

• Be a graduating high school senior from the OG&E service area.
• Attend a college in the states of Oklahoma or Arkansas.
• Have an unweighted grade point average greater than or equal to 3.25.
• Achieve an ACT score greater than or equal to 25 and/or SAT score greater than or equal to 1200.

Since 2012, OG&E and the OGE Energy Corp. have provided more than $2 million in scholarships for more than 300 students in the OG&E service area. Since launching the Positive Energy Scholarship program, OGE Energy Corp. Foundation has awarded 15 Positive Energy Scholarships – totaling $900,000 – to high school seniors.

OG&E energizes future generations supporting deserving students, teachers, and schools. In addition to scholarships, the company funds teacher projects, offers energy efficiency grants, provides classrooms with energy education materials, and partners with educational institutions to cultivate a pipeline of strong industry professionals. To learn more about how OG&E invests in education across its service area, visit oge.com/education.