Twenty-six students representing Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives attended the 2022 Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives Leadership Summit on March 14, 2022, at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
Dylan Neely from Okemah High School and Courtney Taylor from Bristow High School represented East Central Electric Cooperative (ECE).
Neely is an active participant in the high school academic team, marching band, FFA, 4-H, and in his church youth group. Neely said these organizations push him to do his best and set his goals high.
Taylor listed her top five honors and awards to include: Superintendents Honor Roll 2018-2022, a first place award in agricultural processing proficiency, a first place designation on the regional greenhand quiz, serving as the Bristow FFA Reporter 2020-2022, and being a member of the National Honor Society.
This annual event is designed to excite and motivate high school students to become leaders of their communities. More than 500 Oklahoma high school students have been recognized for their leadership abilities by having the opportunity to attend one of the previous Leadership Summits.
The program featured Oklahoma natives, Rhett Laubach and Kelly Barnes, who have collectively spent over 40 years sharing leadership messages with students and adults in the education, agriculture, insurance, health, transportation and sales industries. The students learned how to focus on making the most of the service and growth opportunities available to them now and in the future. The program helped increase the students understanding of how leaders create change, overcome obstacles and serve others through behavior and attitude.
Students also received a $500 scholarship from their cooperative.
With eyes set on becoming a rural family medical practitioner, Taylor said, “I plan to go to OSU in an agriculture major, followed by OSU Medical School.”
“My most impactful take-away of this event, from a leadership perspective, is that networking is the key to success,” Taylor said. “I hope to better my networking skills to help me be successful in my future.”
Although still a sophomore, Neely plans on attending OSUIT to get a degree in videogame design and make educational games related to agriculture.
Congratulations to Neely and Taylor for being selected to represent ECE members at this year's Youth Leadership Summit!
For more information or to nominate a senior for next year's 2022 Youth Leadership Summit, contact the cooperative at 918-756-0833 and ask to talk to member services.
Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperatives serve a portion of all 77 counties in Oklahoma. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through programs, services and policies developed by member-elected boards. Cooperatives are grounded on the premise of neighbors helping neighbors, while powering the needs of new generations.