One hundred six high school students from across Missouri recently participated in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) program held July 15-17, in Jefferson City.Local delegates sponsored by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (CREC) were Emily Baalman, Dardenne Prairie; Clare Citrowske, O’Fallon; Rebecca Purcell, St. Charles; Delaney Schmidt, Defiance; and Sarah Turner of Foristell.The CYCLE program is conducted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award presented by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.Since 2004, AMEC has hosted more than 900 high school sophomore and junior students from Missouri’s 47 electric distribution and transmission cooperatives.The three-day program provided an action-filled experience for the students, offering them opportunities to learn firsthand what it’s like to be involved in politics, community service, today’s pressing issues, the cooperative form of business and being a leader.Highlights included a special educational session in the Missouri House Chamber at the Missouri State Capitol to discuss the process of local, state and national government.“These students are an example of the many talented people who live in Missouri. I am pleased that these students are aware of the importance of staying active, involved in community projects and leaders in their respective high schools,” said U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer. “I’m extremely proud of each of the students, and I’m glad they had an opportunity to visit the Missouri State Capitol to expand their knowledge and develop as future leaders.”“By engaging youth through the CYCLE program, electric cooperatives are helping to teach important skills to new generations of young citizens who will help our communities and nation grow,” said CREC Communication Specialist Lonnie Tucker.“Cuivre River Electric has sponsored and provided more than 55 local high school students with a continued focus on youth leadership and educational opportunities at CYCLE since the program began in 2004.”The CYCLE delegates attended educational seminars and learned about cooperative business principles, electricity, American and Missouri history and competed in a variety of leadership and team building events.Highlights included keynote speeches from Rachel’s Challenge, founded by the father of Rachel Scott who was tragically killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The CYCLE delegates were challenged to make a positive difference in their schools and communities.Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is the largest consumer-owned electric distribution cooperative in Missouri.It provides service to more than 62,000 residential, business, commercial, industrial and agricultural members in Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties.For more information on the CYCLE program and Cuivre River Electric Cooperative visit www.cuivre.com or call (800) 392-3709, extension 4837.Rebecca Purcell, St. Charles; Emily Baalman, Dardenne Prairie; Delaney Schmidt, Defiance; Clare Citrowske, O’Fallon; and Sarah Turner, Foristell, pose in front of the Missouri State Capitol. The delegates, sponsored by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, traveled to Jefferson City July 15-17 to attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience. Submitted photo.
