United Awards $24K in Middle TN Scholarships

Local fiber internet provider United Communications announced the recipients of its 2024-2025 United Community Foundation scholarships. Now in its 14th year, the annual scholarship program will award a total of $24,000 to six graduating seniors graduating from these local high schools:

• Reily Anica Rodriguez is a graduate of Community High School (Unionville, TN) and plans to earn his four year degree at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• Eliza McClaran is a graduate of Eagleville High School (Eagleville, TN) and will attend The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
• Cadence Chapman is a graduate of Forrest High School (Chapel Hill, TN) and plans to pursue a degree at The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
• Medhini Rajkumar is a graduate of Nolensville High School (Nolensville, TN) and plans to continue her studies at Virginia Tech.
• Brooklyn Maes is a graduate of Mt. Juliet High School (Mt. Juliet, TN) and will attend Auburn University.
• Nora Blevins is a graduate of Lebanon High School (Lebanon, TN) and plans to attend The University of Mississippi.

Winning students were chosen by a panel of judges affiliated with the United Community Foundation. Each student will receive $1,000 per year for up to four years to help pay for college tuition, vocational training, and other eligible post-secondary education programs.

“United’s annual scholarship program helps us make a direct impact on the lives of high school graduates in our community who are deserving of every possible opportunity to succeed,” said William Bradford, President and CEO of United Communications. “Their hard work and ambition promise a bright future for Middle Tennessee, and we’re proud to do our part to help put their career goals within reach.”

This year’s scholarship theme of “We’re Better United” asked applicants to demonstrate their commitment to building community spirit by promoting cooperation, goodwill, and a sense of solidarity among neighbors.

The foundation’s annual scholarship was originally created to support graduating high school students who were directly related to employees at United Communications. The program quickly expanded to provide opportunities to other deserving applicants within the company’s service area.

Since its inception, the United Community Foundation has awarded more than $55,000 in merit-based grants to 26 local students based on their academic performance, character, leadership skills, and commitment to community service.

Recipients of the 2023 United Community Foundation scholarship are currently enrolled at Belmont University, Columbia State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, and Trevecca Nazarene University.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship during the 2025-2026 academic year can learn more by contacting their school counselors and by following United Communications on Instagram (@unitedcommunicationstn) and Facebook (@unitedcommunicationsTN).