Youth Tour 2023: Building future leaders

As a time-honored tradition celebrated by electric cooperatives for over 50 years, the Youth Tour program continues to cultivate future leaders in our local communities by educating students on the roles of government and the cooperative business model.

Through these opportunities, students have not only gained valuable leadership and networking experiences, but many have also had their eyes opened to the civic responsibilities that will one day be part of their future.

Each year, CAEC selects high school juniors from public, private or home schools in our 10-county coverage area to participate in Youth Tour. Whether it’s traveling to the state capital in Montgomery or to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., the experience allows local students to serve as delegates alongside other youth leaders from across the state and country.

This year, CAEC provided the opportunity for 14 students to participate in the Montgomery Youth Tour. Those selected were Maddie Clark, Mariana Easterling, Lily Gregory, Abigail Hyatt, Christian Kelley, Lucas Luster, Emily Mason, Eden Nickolson, Jessica Pratt, Abbie Smith, Clayton Teaster, Sidney Thornton, Emma Wasden and Addyson Williams.

“This program is very near and dear to CAEC, and to me especially,” said CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse. “These students are truly incredible, and I am blown away by them every year. So many people talk down about the younger generation, but after spending time with these students, I say that people need to rethink their outlook. We have some bright, talented future leaders in our midst, and I cannot wait to see where they go from here.”

Before traveling to Montgomery, CAEC’s delegates met at our Prattville Headquarters on Tuesday, March 14, and talked with Casey Rogers, external affairs director for Governor Kay Ivey, and Lori Williams, CAEC’s economic development specialist, about careers, cooperatives and previous experiences with Youth Tour.

During their first day in the state’s capital, students participated in an Escape Room teambuilding activity, had Co-op 101 sessions and listened to motivational speaker Cea Cohen-Elliott.

“My favorite part of Youth Tour was meeting new people from around the state,” said Gregory. “I met so many new friends that I clicked with and now have memories with. The biggest takeaway from this trip was learning about the values of cooperatives. They care very much for their members and work to provide the best service they can.”

Day two allowed students the chance to visit the Alabama State Capitol and the Archives and History Department’s Museum of Alabama as well as hear the inspirational words of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Later, delegates learned important financial skills through a hands-on activity with the Alabama Rural Electric Credit Union (ARECU) and finished their leadership training.

“Youth Tour completely surpassed my expectations,” said Luster. "It was an amazing experience that taught me about cooperatives, the legal process and skills I need for life while still being extremely fun.”

The final day brought the group to the State House where CAEC’s delegates saw politics in action as the Senate passed a vote, and they were also able to have one-on-one conversations with Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Representatives Reed Ingram, Van Smith, Russell Bedsole, Troy Stubbs, Ben Robbins and Jerry Starnes. Before returning home, CAEC’s delegates were granted the opportunity to take a behind-thescenes tour of the WSFA News studio to learn more about different roles and careers in media.

“My advice to future students interested in Youth Tour would be to not be nervous, and don’t go into it with a bad attitude,” said Williams. “You will feel welcomed by your peers and the adults there. Interact in all the activities because you will regret not being involved! Most of all, be kind to everyone, and remember you’re not there by accident.”

On March 29, panel interviews were held at the CAEC headquarters to determine the participants of the Washington Youth Tour. Delegates met with members of CAEC’s Board and Stackhouse for the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of electric cooperatives and demonstrate their leadership abilities and professionalism.

Those chosen to participate in the Washington tour (pictured below) are Emma Wasden, Maddie Clark, Addyson Williams, Christian Kelley, Abbie Smith and Eden Nickolson.