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Leaders
inspire youth at co-op workshop
Forty-two high school juniors representing
18 electric power associations throughout Mississippi converged
in Jackson last month for the 19th annual Youth Leadership
Workshop.
It
was our largest workshop ever, in terms of the number of students
and electric power associations participating. Three of the
electric power associations—Magnolia EPA, Twin County
EPA and Tombigbee EPA—participated for the first time.
The
three-day event, sponsored by the Electric Power Associations
of Mississippi, offers students opportunities to learn and
practice leadership skills, meet their legislators and watch
government in action.
Students earn participation in the workshop by competing in
interview, essay or other types of competitions conducted
by their local electric power association.
To
make the workshop a success, we depend on the cooperation
of elected officials and other business and community leaders
whom we invite to speak to the students. We want students
to hear directly from the people who make laws, run state
government, serve their communities in myriad ways and make
important business decisions that affect countless Mississippians
every day.
This year's workshop featured presentations by Gov. Haley
Barbour, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck and Jackson businessman Frank Melton.
Plus, many legislators joined our students for breakfast one
morning of the workshop.
We
are deeply appreciative of these individuals' willingness
to meet and talk with our students. They reinforce the workshop's
leadership theme by sharing personal experiences and offering
words of encouragement.
Gov.
Barbour, for example, told students that real leaders always
work harder than those they lead. Strong leaders share credit
for success and take responsibility when things go wrong.
And no leader can be successful working alone; success takes
teamwork, Barbour said.
Lt.
Gov. Tuck briefed students on current legislation and encouraged
them to take part in local political campaigns.
Melton,
who has literally rescued youngsters from the streets and
seen them through college, urged students to always "do
the right thing." Regardless of your background or situation
in life, you know right from wrong, he told them.
Barbour, Tuck and Melton are inspiring examples of strong,
caring leaders who take every opportunity to help youth. Our
leadership workshop gives them that opportunity.
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