Missouri Electric Co-Op Youth Program delivers education and fun
Photo courtesy of Intercounty Electric
From left, seated: Rylie Baker, Monay Lefatshe and Emily Jewett; middle row: Emma Webster, Elizabeth Bonine, Bethany Willis, Jhonine Maralit, Carlnez Head, Khloe Angel, Aspen Shelton and Madilyn Lathrom; and back row: Preston Hash, Peyton Taylor, Autumn French, Carissa Creek, Ava Walker, Cy Helton, Wyatt Stough, Evan Edwards and Grayson Jones.
Twenty students from the Intercounty Electric service area were among the 110 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program. The conference was held July 14-17, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Jefferson City. These students were sponsored by Intercounty Electric Cooperative through their Youth Tour Essay Contest.
This year’s students were Grayson Jones and Emma Webster, Cabool; Carissa Creek and Evan Edwards, Houston; Ava Walker and Elizabeth Bonine, Licking; Khloe Angel and Aspen Shelton, Mtn. Grove; Cy Helton and Madilyn Lathrom, Plato; Peyton Taylor, Wyatt Stough and Monay Lefatshe, Rolla; Preston Hash and Autumn French, St. James; Jhonine Maralit and Carlnez Head, Salem; and Bethany Willis, Rylie Baker and Emily Jewett, Summersville.
Each year, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business, and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events such as the “build a cooperative” game.
Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. The presentation details the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school tragedy. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about her legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life.
Students toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. They also saw a live powerline demonstration and learned all about electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters.
The learning didn’t end in Jefferson City. Students took a day trip to St. Louis to tour the City Museum and St. Louis Arch. They also enjoyed an evening of food and games at Dave & Buster’s.
The CYCLE program is in its 23rd year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.
For more information about AMEC youth programs, contact director Chris Massman at cmassman@amec.org or go to www.moyouthtour.com/cycle.
