When Bowling Green High School student Evan Meyer summed up his experience attending the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program this summer, he experienced quite a bit listening to the renowned speakers.

"This is the only place where you can cry, laugh and be hypnotized," he said.

Meyer was among five students sponsored by CREC. The other local delegates were Cole Allen, Emily Brockmann and Grace Pupillo, all of Liberty High School; and Lucy Felber, Timberland High School.

They were among the 103 high school students from across Missouri who attended CYCLE July 17-19 in Jefferson City.

Each year in July, an action-filled three days provides high school students opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader.

The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events like the “build a cooperative” game.

Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about Rachel’s legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life. Students also toured the Winston Churchill Museum in Fulton and saw a live powerline demonstration at Callaway Electric Cooperative.

"I have been to other leadership conferences and this is one of the best and most unique," Meyer said. "I'm glad I had this opportunity."

The CYCLE program is in its 16th year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.

The annual contest is open to high school sophomores who live and attend school in Cuivre River’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River Electric service in their homes. Applications for next year’s program will be accepted in the spring. For more information about the CYCLE program, contact Tim Schmidt at 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in Missouri. It provides service to more than 65,000 residential, business, commercial, industrial and agricultural members in Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties.

 

CUTLINE

Five local high school students sponsored by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative traveled to Jefferson City July 17-19 to attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) program. Pictured, from left, are Evan Meyer, Bowling Green High School; Cole Allen, Liberty High School; Lucy Felber, Timberland High School; Emily Brockmann, and Grace Pupillo, both of Liberty High School.