Northside High Senior Wins $60,000 OG&E Scholarship

Anthony Mendez recognized as one of three 2026 Positive Energy Scholars

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:45pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a mechanical engineering textbook or notebook repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the academic and career aspirations of a young scholarship recipient.The OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship empowers students like Anthony Mendez to pursue their dreams in the energy industry and make a lasting impact on their communities.Fort Smith Today

Fort Smith Northside High School senior Anthony Mendez was surprised with a $60,000 scholarship from Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. (OG&E) as part of the company's Positive Energy Scholarship program. Mendez, a first-generation college student, plans to study mechanical engineering with a focus on energy systems at the University of Arkansas.

Why it matters

The OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship aims to support students pursuing STEM degrees and future careers in the energy industry, which is crucial for powering and strengthening local communities. Mendez's achievement highlights the program's impact in recognizing and investing in promising young leaders.

The details

Mendez was selected as one of three 2026 OG&E Positive Energy Scholars from a competitive pool of applicants across Oklahoma and western Arkansas. As a standout student at Northside High, Mendez has demonstrated strong leadership through his involvement in Army JROTC, band, and National Honor Society, including serving as Battalion Executive Officer to mentor over 400 cadets.

  • On April 16, 2026, OG&E representatives surprised Mendez with the scholarship announcement during a schoolwide celebration at Northside High School.

The players

Anthony Mendez

A senior at Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, who was awarded a $60,000 OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship to study mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas.

OG&E

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., an electric utility company that awards the annual Positive Energy Scholarship to recognize and support high-achieving students pursuing STEM degrees.

Kelli Hayward Walsh

The manager of community outreach and engagement at OG&E, who praised Mendez's passion for engineering and perseverance.

Chris Carter

The principal of Northside High School, who celebrated Mendez's achievement.

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What they’re saying

“Anthony's passion for engineering and his perseverance in the face of challenges stood out to our selection committee. Students like Anthony are the future of the energy industry and the communities we serve. We are proud to support his journey as he pursues mechanical engineering and works toward building systems that power and strengthen communities.”

— Kelli Hayward Walsh, Manager of community outreach and engagement, OG&E

“Mechanical engineering gives me the chance to design, improve and maintain systems that communities rely on every day. Knowing that this financial support comes from a company dedicated to powering communities motivates me to work harder and give back through my future career in the energy field.”

— Anthony Mendez

What’s next

Mendez will attend the University of Arkansas this fall to begin his studies in mechanical engineering with a focus on energy systems and power-related applications.

The takeaway

The OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship program is making a meaningful impact by investing in promising young leaders like Anthony Mendez, who are poised to make significant contributions to the energy industry and their local communities.