Several area youth were among the 110 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program July 14-17. Remington Sublette and Ero Garza of Warrensburg, Alex Dyer of Higginsville and Mia Unruh of Odessa were the local delegates sponsored by West Central Electric Cooperative.
Each year, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business, and how to be a leader. The program included nationally-known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning the process of how a bill becomes a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided into teams that competed in various events such as the “build a cooperative” game.
“CYCLE was simply the best. From the friends I made to the experiences I had, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Sublette said. “CYCLE taught me so many life lessons, but also to keep an open mind. Your attitude toward the opportunity you have been given, as well as the people you surround yourself with dictate what you get from the experience and how much fun you have. That is not only important at CYCLE, but also in life itself.”
Sublette served as the bill sponsor during the legislative portion of the conference, and was on the microphone in the House of Representatives as students debated a bill regarding cell phone use in schools.
Other highlights included a presentation from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization which details the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school tragedy. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about her legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life. Students also toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. They saw a live powerline demonstration and learned all about electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters.
The learning didn’t end in Jefferson City. Students took a day trip to St. Louis to tour the City Museum and St. Louis Arch. They also enjoyed an evening of food and games at Dave & Buster’s.
The CYCLE program is in its 23rd year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.
For more information, visit www.moyouthtour.com/cycle or contact Heather Hoflander at heather@wcecoop.com.
Release courtesy of West Central Electric Cooperative.
