March 8, 2022 Youth Tour Student Wins YLC Position

PRVEPA Youth Tour Student Wins Youth Leadership Council Position

Columbia- Each year a student is selected as Mississippi’s representative on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council (YLC). This year’s student is Connor Gibson from Oak Grove High School. Gibson was chosen for the YLC from 66 students participating in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop through an evaluation and judging process. He will serve a one-year term beginning June 1, 2022.

“I cannot thank PRVEPA enough for this opportunity,” said Gibson. “I really enjoyed my time networking with my peers from across the state. I will take what I learned from this workshop and apply them as I go back into my school and my community.”

As a council member, Gibson will travel to Biloxi to attend the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Annual Meeting in September. While attending he will speak to a group of 350 attendees at the annual business session. In addition, he will also attend the NRECA Annual Meeting in Nashville in March 2023. At this meeting, he will meet members from across the U.S. and will be recognized for his achievements. After completion of his duties, Gibson will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

“Being chosen for this position is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Gibson. “I can’t wait to represent my cooperative and my state.”

In October, Connor Gibson, along with fellow Oak Grove High School student, Abigail Hammons, were chosen at the Association’s Cooperative University. Abigail Hammons was also a finalist for the YLC position.

“I loved my experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop! I was able to meet so many new people who I would not have met otherwise. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity,” said Hammons.

Gibson and Hammons will be heading to Washington D.C. for a week-long trip in June. While there, they will visit the U.S. Capitol, tour the monuments, and meet with senators and representatives.

If you are interested in more information about Pearl River Valley Electric’s Youth Leadership Program, please visit www.prvepa.com.