At Poudre Valley REA (PVREA), investing in students means investing in the future of our communities. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership, service, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference. These are some of the remarkable students who embody the values that strengthen Northern Colorado and inspire those around them. As a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, PVREA is honored to support their educational journeys and celebrate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders who will carry these values forward for years to come.
Hailey James
Berthoud High School
Attending Colorado State University
Hailey James leads with both heart and intention. A lifelong Colorado resident, she was raised alongside her two older brothers and younger sister in a close-knit family that shaped her deep appreciation for connection, resilience, and community. Known by those around her as driven, compassionate, and quick-witted, Hailey brings both warmth and determination to everything she does, grounding her leadership in kindness and authenticity.
During her time at Berthoud High School, she immersed herself in Student Council, where she discovered a passion for leadership and advocacy. Serving as committee head for Wish Week, she helped lead a community-wide effort that raised over $11,000 for Make-A-Wish. This experience strengthened her belief in the power of collective impact. Outside the classroom, she works as a Child Watch Attendant, where she continues to invest in the lives of young children and families.
Inspired by her younger sister’s developmental journey, Hailey plans to study Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University. With a heart for service and a clear sense of purpose, she is committed to making a meaningful difference, one life at a time.
Ethan Kossler
Berthoud High School
Attending Colorado State University
Ethan Kossler is a thoughtful and creative individual whose perspective is shaped by both his artistic talent and his lived experience on the autism spectrum. Growing up in Berthoud, Colorado with his parents and younger brother, Ethan has developed a deep appreciation for family, community, and the value of meaningful connection.
Throughout high school, Ethan has worked diligently to strengthen his executive functioning and learning skills, an accomplishment he takes great pride in. Along the way, he discovered not only a passion for art, but also a genuine strength in collaboration. For Ethan, working as part of a team brings out the best in everyone, creating a sense of shared purpose and mutual support.
With the support of dedicated teachers and his family, Ethan has grown in confidence and independence. He plans to attend Colorado State University to study Graphic Design, where he hopes to use his creativity to bring people together and foster understanding through visual storytelling.
Guided by perseverance, creativity, and care for others, Ethan is committed to using his gifts to positively impact his community and beyond.
Trevor Leidig
Thompson Valley High School
Attending University of Colorado Boulder
Trevor Leidig was born and raised in west Loveland and is a proud graduate of Thompson Valley High School. Throughout high school, he embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and serve his community.
Trevor competed on the varsity tennis and track and field teams, where he specialized in hurdles, while also participating in FBLA, performing as a clarinet player in the Marching Band, and coaching Bill Reed Middle School LEGO Robotics teams. Through the National Honor Society, he coordinated volunteer efforts for the Loveland Rotary Painted Hearts program, a cherished Loveland tradition that allowed him to give back to the community that has shaped him.
He also had the privilege of leading a statewide High School Leadership Conference with the Colorado Association of School Boards, an experience that strengthened his passion for leadership and collaboration.
This fall, Trevor will attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study Aerospace Engineering as a member of the Engineering Honors Program. He is excited to continue challenging himself, building meaningful connections, and pursuing opportunities to make a positive impact wherever his future takes him.
Dirk Thayer
Loveland Classical Schools
Attending University of Nebraska Kearney
Dirk Thayer has always been driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how things work. What began as a fascination with computers in kindergarten grew into a lifelong passion for computer science and a love of building purposeful technology. Through countless hours of self-directed learning, Dirk developed advanced programming skills, earned Python certifications, and created an open-source software project used by thousands; an accomplishment that reflects both his persistence and his belief that meaningful work is built one step at a time.
Beyond technology, Dirk has cultivated a deep appreciation for creativity. A lifelong musician, he has performed both fiddle and classical violin and spent years helping lead his school's annual Madrigals Feast as Head Minstrel. His role as Yearbook Editor-in-Chief also sparked a passion for photography, inspiring him to explore landscape, wildlife, portrait, and drone photography while mentoring younger students along the way.
Dirk believes success is measured by building something unique, purposeful, and profound, something that contributes to scientific progress while strengthening human connection. Those ideals are grounded in the values that guide his everyday life: kindness, humility, diligence, and service. He has put those values into practice by volunteering at the Loveland Public Library, where he taught coding, 3D modeling, and fabrication to learners of all ages.
Receiving the PVREA Scholarship is especially meaningful to Dirk because he deeply appreciates the organization's genuine commitment to giving back. Knowing the scholarship is funded through unclaimed rebates rather than as a marketing effort reflects the kind of selfless generosity he admires. This fall, Dirk will attend the University of Nebraska Kearney to study Computer Science, with hopes of one day contributing to space exploration and creating technology that makes a lasting, positive impact.
"These scholarship recipients remind us that when a community invests in its students, everyone shares in their success."