OG&E Gives Surprise Scholarship To OKC Student

For many high school seniors going to college is an expectation, but for some it’s a dream, and OG&E is all about making those dreams come true.

“We started this program, the Positive Energy program, back in 2019,” said Alba Weaver with OG&E.

Since 2019, 15 students have been surprised with the $60,000 scholarship, totaling over $700,000.

“This is the first time that a scholar from Oklahoma City public schools has been awarded,” said Weaver.

Students that apply must maintain a 3.25 grade point average, achieve an ACT score greater than or equal to 25 and/or SAT score greater than or equal to 1200.

OG&E awarded three scholarships this year, one of the recipients was Southeast High School senior Jorge Merino.

“He’s infectious, he’s full of positive energy, he’s the kindest kid you’ll ever meet,” said Southeast High School Principal Scott Farley.

Principal Farley had to keep the big surprise from everyone at the school, even the teachers and staff.

“It's been hard to keep it a secret,” said Farley.

Family members were asked to come to the school to discuss grades and attendance and meet with representatives from the University of Oklahoma.

“They took me into the room, I met with the principal, and that’s when they gave me the news that he had actually won the scholarship from OG&E,” said Rachel Merino, Jorge’s mother.

“They opened the doors and there was all these cheerleaders with the party streamers and I was like, what did I get myself into?” said Jorge Merino

The stress of college has been weighing on this family.

“Because I was already stressing like this morning I was like, how am I going to get these scholarships in? You know, am I going to have to go get a job through college something like that,” said Jorge.

“He says, it was too expensive, we can’t afford it and I told him son, if OU is what you want, we will get you to OU,” said Rachel.

Jorge has already been accepted into OU, but began to look at other colleges because of the cost.

“I work a full-time job, and I started Uber, I started doing Uber just to help,” said Rachel.

“I worried about her safety doing Uber, of course, you never know who you might pick up,” said Jorge.

Those worries have now ended to the tune of a $60,000 scholarship to OU.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, because you’re not just benefiting me, you’re benefiting my entire family,” said Jorge.

Jorge is the first member of his immediate family to attend college. OG&E will open up applications in the fall for next year, through their website www.oge.com.