Local students gain hands-on leadership experience at Cooperative University

Thirteen local high school juniors got a firsthand look at the world of electric cooperatives during EMEPA’s Cooperative University. The students toured EMEPA facilities, participated in a Life of a Lineman demonstration, learned about electrical safety and met employees who keep the lights on across east Mississippi.

The students also heard from Mississippi legislators in a Q&A panel and learned about electricity generation, transmission and distribution from a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) engineer, gaining a full picture of how power reaches their communities.

Each high school in EMEPA’s service area nominates one junior based on academics, leadership and community involvement. During Cooperative University, students participated in personal interviews with a panel of out-of-town judges. Based on both the interviews and leadership observed throughout the day, five students were selected to represent EMEPA at the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Workshop in Jackson, which will bring together over 80 students statewide to explore government and leadership skills.

Those selected will also travel to Washington, D.C., in June 2026 for a week-long Youth Tour, visiting historic landmarks and meeting Mississippi’s congressional delegation.

“EMEPA’s Cooperative Youth Leaders Program continues to empower young people with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities,” said Julie Boles, EMEPA’s Director of Marketing and Communication. “These students represent the next generation of leaders, and we are proud to support their journey.”

The 2025 Cooperative University participants include:

Arianna Newton, Enterprise High School

Cannon Waters, Kemper Academy

Quinton Harvey, Kemper County High School

Isiah Hopson, Northeast Lauderdale High School

Ayla Ann Ryals, Noxapater Attendance Center*

Macy Wedgeworth, Quitman High School

Anna Jane Gibson, Russell Christian Academy*

Evan Broome, Southeast Lauderdale High School

Brody Gressett, West Lauderdale High School*

Jordan Miller, Winston Academy

Marquavious Sillimon, MS School for Math and Science*

Andrew Battle, Meridian Classical Center for Learning

Caleb Randall, Lamar High School*

*Students selected for the ECM Cooperative Youth Leaders Workshop and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.