The Faces of Youth Tour

By Debbie Stringer

The annual Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., is an intensive week-long experience that immerses students in the nation’s history, arts and government while offering opportunities for leadership development.

“It is a life-changing experience that exceeded all expectations,” said participant Hang Shan, of Hattiesburg.

Hang was one of 51 Mississippi high school juniors who in June joined some 1,500 other students from 40 states at the 2008 Youth Tour. Each student was sponsored by his or her local electric power association.

Tour highlights included:

- meeting U.S. senators and representatives;

- touring the U.S. Capitol;

- exploring the world-class museums of the Smithsonian Institution;

- visiting many of the nation’s most significant monuments and memorials;

- enjoying a theatrical production at the Kennedy Center;

- making friends from across the nation;

- learning more about the cooperative form of business.

Students returned from Youth Tour motivated to assume leadership roles in their schools, churches and communities; passionate and more knowledgeable about the democratic process; and appreciative of the sacrifices Americans have made to protect our freedoms.

“With a strong foundation like the Youth Leadership (program), the youth of Mississippi can and will be a decisive force in the political realm of the state and nation,” said participant Cooper Kennard, of Starkville.

Ron Stewart, senior vice president of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, said, “The 2008 leadership group is only a few years away from being leaders in our work force, elected officials and community leaders who will be making the important decisions for the next generation.

“As a cooperative organization with a strong commitment to government and business, we have always placed a lot of value on being prepared. This is exactly what this program is about—preparing our young people for the challenges that lie ahead and the importance of making informed decisions,” Stewart added.

More than 40,000 students from rural areas and small towns across the nation have participated in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour since the program began in the mid-1950s.

Youth Tour is sponsored in Mississippi by the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi and participating electric power associations in the state.

“I want to thank the electric power associations for caring about its young leaders and giving us this amazing opportunity that we will always remember,” said participant Ellen Graves, of Ackerman.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, a part of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program, is open to eligible high school juniors. Students compete locally to become a part of the annual program. For details, contact your local electric power association, or visit the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Web site at www.epaofms.com.

Chaney: Program helps ready youth to become tomorrow's decision makers

?Mary Margaret Chaney knew she would have fun at the 2008 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. But she didn’t anticipate how the tour—and her entire Youth Leadership Program experience—would impact her life for years to come.

“I never would’ve dreamed that in one week I could build friendships so meaningful and develop such a passionate respect for the country I live in,” said Mary Margaret, 17, a Pisgah High School student whose tour was sponsored by Central Electric Power Association.

“The trip prepared me, and all the other kids that went, to realize that we’re growing up, and we are going to have decisions to make that will affect our country. It showed us our past and where we came from, and it taught us about today’s problems,” she added.

Sharing the experience with students from across the state was a highlight of the trip. “I was with 50 other kids who are considered leaders where they come from. We came from different backgrounds, and that meant we all had something different to offer,” Mary Margaret said.

Earlier this year, Mary Margaret was selected at the 2008 Electric Power Associations Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson to represent Mississippi on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council (YLC). The council comprises students from 45 states whose selection is based on their leadership qualities, academic achievement, personality, and community and student activities.

Mary Margaret returned to Washington in July to attend the YLC conference, where she competed to become the national YLC spokesperson.

“Mary Margaret is a shining example of the quality of students who participated in this program, and she will be an outstanding representative for Mississippi on the national council,” said Ron Stewart, Electric Power Associations of Mississippi senior vice president. “She has already proven her abilities to be a leader in her community and school, and now she is able to use her skills and cheerful personality on a national level.”

Mary Margaret said she is “extremely grateful” to Central Electric Power Association’s management and board of directors for their support of the Youth Leadership program. “I had a wonderful time and I learned so much. I just think it’s great they’re taking the interest in youth, because we really are the future.”

She encourages rising high school juniors to get involved in their local electric power association’s Youth Leadership program. “I think students would see our country in a completely different way if they did,” she said.
Mary Margaret is the daughter of Steve and Linda Chaney of Pelahatchie, members of Central Electric Power Association.

After graduation, Mary Margaret plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where she will major in international business.