For more information:
Logan Barrett – Public Affairs Intern
701.425.8249
loganbarrett@lignite.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moorea Knapp and Samuel Benson are the 2025 recipients of the Jeff Burgess Memorial Scholarship Award.
The scholarship is awarded annually to two seniors from Burleigh, Mercer, McLean, Morton, or Oliver County high schools who excel academically and are continuing their education in a science-related field.
Moorea will graduate from Century High School with a 4.0 GPA and plans to go into Public Health at the University of Alabama, after which she would like to attend medical school and become an emergency physician. At Century, she was ranked first in her class, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and competed on many academic teams such as Science Olympiad, Acalmypics, and the Math Team. Moorea also spent numerous hours volunteering throughout high school, including for the Central Dakota Humane Society, New Salem Volunteer Ambulance Service, and the ND Women’s Group. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Samuel earned a 3.94 GPA at Underwood High School and will attend Minot State University in the fall. He will double major in Chemistry and Geology with plans to begin a career in the energy sector upon graduation. Samuel was heavily involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school, earning letters in football, basketball, and track, with multiple all-region and all-state selections. He also participated in Student Council, One Act Play Competition, and the National Honor Society. He has also been a consistent volunteer at his high school and his church.
The scholarship was established by the Lignite Energy Council following the death of Jeff Burgess in 2009. Jeff was the director of research and development for the Lignite Energy Council at the time of his death. He was a graduate of both Bismarck High School and North Dakota State University.
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