October 26 2023, Cooperative University a Success
Cooperative University a Success
For over 35 years, Pearl River Valley Electric has sent students on a life-changing trip to Washington D.C. through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program. On the trip, students from across Mississippi, picked for their outstanding leadership abilities, visit monuments, the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Except for two cancelled years due to Covid, this trip has served as a hallmark for what electric cooperatives can do to inspire our youth and our communities.
The first step in the Youth Leadership Program is PRVEPA’s Cooperative University which is held at the National Guard Armory in Columbia. Cooperative University is a one-day event where each school is represented by two students. The day consists of speakers, games, and various demonstrations. This year, speakers included representatives from Cooperative Energy, past leadership program students and local legislators.
“The program has helped so many students realize a dream of traveling to see our nation’s capitol,” said Leif Munkel, manager of marketing, communications and member services. “For many students the trip to Washington D.C. is an eye-opening experience and exposes them up to a much larger world.”
This year, 23 students from 12 schools sent students to the Cooperative University on October 11th. Judges interviewed all 23 students and chose two winners. This year’s winners are Lana Bishop from Stone High School and Mateo Rouhbakhsh from Sacred Heart Catholic School.
Lana Bishop is the daughter of Donald and Tova Bishop. She is active in Beta Club, volleyball and basketball. Recently, Lana helped register new voters to pass the Stone High School bond referendum which will build a new high school and athletic stadium.
Mateo Rouhbackhsh is the son of Rambod and Darcy Rouhbackhsh. He is active in Beta Club and is a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Mateo has been active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a volunteer coach for youth soccer.
Lana and Mateo will join thousands of other students from around the country in June to attend the National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington D.C. There they will have the opportunities to meet their legislators, tour the U.S. Capitol and do lots of other site seeing.