Youth Tour Goes Virtual

Three local students attend virtual leadership conference

Oklahoma's Electric Cooperatives hosted the 2021 Virtual Oklahoma Youth Tour Leadership Conference June 22-25. Henry Cargill, Lauren Haizlip and Brody Schuermann represented OEC as the 2021 Youth Tour winners.

"While we were all disappointed the traditional Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. was canceled due to the pandemic, Henry, Lauren and Brody were still able to meet other Youth Tour winners from Oklahoma and build their leadership skills," said Tory Tedder-Loffland, OEC education and outreach programs director.

Both Cargill and Schuermann were named as top 10 finalists for the coveted Youth Leadership Council representative who represents Oklahoma at the national youth summit.

Approximately 50 rising high school seniors, selected by Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives, met online each morning during the conference to interact with one another and guest speakers and tuned in on social media each afternoon to complete daily challenges for a chance to receive a scholarship.

The participants learned about electric cooperatives and their mission and created a community service project. They also heard from elected officials such as Congresswomen Stephanie Bice, Rep. Mike Osburn, Rep. Cyndi Munson, and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. Students were challenged to email their elected official a topic they are passionate about or interested in. [1824312410]

On the final day, students were invited to attend a luncheon at the OAEC Conference Center.

"Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives organized a fantastic virtual event culminating with an in-person banquet," Tedder-Loffland said. "I am so proud of how our Youth Tour winners interacted with the public officials and other speakers."