AEC recognizes essay winners

Five area students gathered at Alfalfa Electric Cooperative’s office complex on Monday, March 8.

In a short essay, the students had described a moment in American history they wish they could have been a part of and explained why. They also included details of how electricity had played a role in the event or how it could have played a significant role.

A judge declared these students’ essays to be the top 5 of over 75 entries: Nancy Klippenstein, Burlington; Evan Mitchell, Cherokee; Vail Cargo, Pond Creek-Hunter; Larynn Shaffer, Ringwood; and Ko Brooks, Alva (homeschooled).

Three judges interviewed these finalists to determine AEC’s two Youth Tour Winners. After the interview process, General Manager and CEO Greg Goetz announced the winners, Vail Cargo and Ko Brooks. Cargo and Brooks may apply to represent Oklahoma on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council (YLC).

One student from each state is selected and they go to Washington, D.C., in July for a leadership workshop which will focus on the electric cooperative industry.

The purpose of the YLC conference is to build leadership and public speaking skills, and to enhance the delegates’ knowledge of the energy industry and the cooperative form of business.

Members of the YLC play an important role during the NRECA’a Annual Meeting the following spring. Time will tell if YLC will be able to hold its conference this year or not.

With the lingering COVID pandemic, NRECA had canceled Youth Tour for the second year in a row. The Youth Leadership Camp in Colorado had also been canceled.

Despite the cancellations, AEC chose to honor all five students with Air MacBooks and $500.

AEC is hopeful that next year the winners will be able to attend these special events.