Logan Rakes, a graduating senior at Forrest High School who will attend college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, receives a United Community Foundation scholarship certificate from the Chief Operating Officer at United Communications, Josh Lynch. (Photo Credit: United Communications)
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (May 22, 2025) — United Communications, Middle Tennessee’s leading local fiber internet provider, will award $40,000 in scholarships to five local high school graduates chosen from a competitive application process for their outstanding character, academic achievements, and community involvement.
The recipients of this year’s United Community Foundation scholarship are:
- Molli Hyde from Franklin County High School in Winchester, TN, attending the University of Alabama Huntsville
- Amelia Lazo from Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, TN, attending Middle Tennessee State University
- Grant Moore from Nolensville High School in Nolensville, TN, attending Notre Dame University
- Ridham Ohri from Franklin High School in Franklin, TN, attending Georgia Institute of Technology
- Logan Rakes from Forrest High School in Chapel Hill, TN, attending the University of Tennessee Chattanooga
All five winners were selected by a panel of judges affiliated with the United Community Foundation. Each student will receive $8,000 over four years to help pay for college tuition, certificate programs, or other career training opportunities.
“We’re incredibly proud of the investments we’ve made to bring next-generation fiber internet connections to Middle Tennessee,” said William Bradford, president and CEO of United Communications. “But our greatest investments, by far, have been made on behalf of students like Ridham, who wants to become an aerospace engineer, and Logan, who is planning on a career as a nurse.”
“United has been making connections in our community for 78 years, and it’s our privilege to connect these outstanding and ambitious young people to their dreams of higher education and fulfilling careers,” added Bradford.
Since 2010, the United Community Foundation has awarded over $95,000 in merit-based scholarships to 31 students in Middle Tennessee. The scholarship was originally created to support the children of United Communications employees. It quickly grew in funding and scope to include students from across United’s service area.
Recipients of the 2024 United Community Foundation scholarship are currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Auburn University, and the University of Mississippi.
Students who are planning to graduate at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year can learn more about the United Community Foundation scholarship by contacting their school counselors and by following United Communications on Instagram and Facebook.
United Communications is proud to invest in Middle Tennessee through reliable fiber internet and scholarships that empower the next generation. To learn more about our high-speed internet services or to check availability in your area, visit united.net.
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About United Communications
United Communications is a leading provider of internet and phone services for residential customers, small and mid-sized businesses, and enterprise-level organizations across Middle Tennessee. United has been nationally and regionally recognized, including a 2024 and 2025 Gold Stevie® Award from the American Business Awards®, 2024 and 2023 Best Places To Work from the Nashville Business Journal, 2023 Top 100 Fiber-To-The-Home Leader, 2023 Torch Award from the BBB, and designation as a Smart Rural Community Provider℠.
United operates more than 4,800 route miles of fiber covering portions of Bedford, Davidson, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson counties. United Communications is a service of Middle Tennessee Electric. To learn more, please visit united.net.
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