November 6, 2024 Cooperative University Picks Students

Cooperative University a Success

For over 40 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. 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 up to 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 capital,” 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, 22 students from 12 schools sent students to the Cooperative University on November 6th. Judges interviewed all 22 students and chose two winners. This year’s winners are Maddie Hylender from Purvis High School and Samantha Cardenas from Sumrall High School.

Maddie Hylender, is active in First Priority, student council and Beta Club. She currently serves as President of First Priority and is Junior Class President. She is also Editor-in-Chief of the Purvis High School Yearbook staff. Samantha Cardenas is in show choir, student government and Diamond Girls. She has helped lead and direct choirs at her church. She is also a recipient of the Heart of Sumrall award.

Maddie and Samantha will join thousands of other students from around the country in June to attend the 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.