Pictured above: Following the Annual Meeting in September 2021, the Linke family of rural Woonsocket presented Jim and Cristine Headley with South Dakota State University apparel to thank them for helping the kids pay for college. Pictured from left: Aaron Linke, Megan Linke, Cristine Headley, Jim Headley, Nathan Linke and Jonathan Linke.
Linke family shows appreciation for retired board member Jim Headley
Ag roots run deep in the Headley and Linke families. Since 2003, the family of the late Jay Headley of White Lake has generously funded 30 scholarships for outstanding students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field. Jay was the son of former board member Jim Headley who served as a director for Central Electric and Tri-County Electric for a total of 25 years until his retirement in 2021.
Headley and his wife Cristine live north of White Lake. Jim attended South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings before he began his farming career. He has been a farmer and rancher most of his life and has a passion for supporting ag education.
Ag roots run deep in the Linke family of rural Woonsocket. When Henry and Paula Linke’s four kids were all awarded the Jay Headley Memorial Scholarship in a span of five years, one could say they fit well within the scope and vision of the agriculture-focused scholarship. Especially considering scholarship recipients are selected by an outside judge who is not affiliated with Central Electric Cooperative or the Headley family.
To thank Jim and Cristine, the Linke family recently presented them with SDSU apparel for helping the kids pay to attend college there.
Jonathan Linke graduated from SDSU in 2020 and is working as a product placement supervisor for a seed company. Aaron, Nathan and Megan Linke are still attending SDSU.
The employees, management and board of directors at Central Electric Cooperative join the Linke family in thanking Jim and Cristine Headley for supporting education in Central Electric’s service territory through the scholarship program. Their selflessness has made a difference in the lives of many families along the journey.
The Jay Headley Memorial Scholarship will once again be offered by Central Electric in 2022. For more information, call the office or visit www.centralec.coop and find scholarships under the Member Programs tab.