Duke Energy Announces Academic Scholarships For 2005

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Twenty children of Duke Energy employees have been selected to receive the 2005 Duke Energy scholarships.

Fifteen recipients will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. Five students were named alternates - receiving one-time $1,000 awards.

Recipients are chosen annually by an independent committee of judges. Their selections are based on academics, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and awards, work experience and other needs.

"For the last four decades, our scholarship program has benefited students from the families of Duke Energy employees and retirees," said Hilary Davidson, director of corporate community relations. "Over time, these students have taken their places in many fields - making our communities better places to live. We are confident that this year's scholarship winners will maintain that tradition."

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Laura Broome of Harrisburg -- She is a student at Central Cabarrus High School in Concord, and is the daughter of Robert and Mary Gail Broome.

Carmen Bruni of Hamilton, Ontario - He is a student at Bishop Ryan High School in Hamilton, and is the son of Philip and Mary Bruni.

Emily Burchfield of Seneca, S.C. -- She is a student at Seneca High School, and is the daughter of Ed and Shelley Burchfield.

Justin Collins of Toccoa, Ga. - He is a student at Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Ga., and is the son of John and Donna Collins.

Nicholas Crews of Charlotte - He is a student at Charlotte Christian School, and is the son of Mike and Jean Crews.

Janet Custer of Clemson, S.C. -- She is a student at D.W. Daniel High School in Central, S.C., and is the daughter of Fred and Christine Custer.

Samantha Heuertz of Charlotte -- She is a student at Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, and is the daughter of Sam and Debra Heuertz.

Everett Hite IV of Rock Hill, S.C. -- He is a student at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, S.C., and is the son of Ernie and Susan Hite.

Diane McClary of Mooresville -- She is a student at SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville, and is the daughter of Earl and Jenny McClary.

Matthew Presson of Mooresville - He is a student at Laurel Academy in Mooresville, and is the son of Harold and Karla Presson.

Jesse Rhodes of Lincolnton - He is a student at North Lincoln High School in Lincolnton, and is the son of Tracy and Hope Rhodes.

Michael Richards of Charlotte - He is a student at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, and is the son of John and Susan Richards.

Christine Smith of Houston -- She is a student at Memorial High School in Houston, and is the daughter of James and Patricia Smith.

Christina Weaver of Mount Holly -- She is a student at East Gaston High School in Mount Holly, and is the daughter of Scott and Debbie Weaver.

Rachel Weiner of Charlotte -- She is a student at Vance High School in Charlotte, and is the daughter of Michael and Denise Weiner.

ALTERNATES

Sarah Barron of Clemson, S.C. - She is a student at D.W. Daniel High School in Central, S.C., and is the daughter of Tommy and Betsy Barron.

Sarah Bost of Huntersville - She is a student at North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, and is the daughter of Byard and Susan Bost.

Heather Caldwell of Concord - She is a student at Jay M. Robinson High School in Concord, and is the daughter of Myron and Dorothy Caldwell.

Ashleigh Davis of Mount Holly -- She is a student at East Gaston High School in Mount Holly, and is the daughter of Tim and Claudia Henrickson.

Tyler Rowe of Catawba - He is a student at Bandys High School in Catawba, and his the son of Phil (P.J.) and Denise Rowe.

Duke Energy is a diversified energy company with a portfolio of natural gas and electric businesses, both regulated and unregulated, and an affiliated real estate company. Duke Energy supplies, delivers and processes energy for customers in the Americas. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: http://www.duke-energy.com/ .

CONTACT: Randy Wheeless Phone: 704/382-8379 24-Hour: 704/382-8333