Kari Jordan and Caleb Meeker, students from Eminence High School, were among the 96 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program. The conference was held July 15-18, 2025, in Jefferson City. They were sponsored by the Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, West Plains, Mo.
Each year, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn 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 who competed in various events such as the “build a cooperative” game.
Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. The presentation details the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school shootings. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about her legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life.
Students toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. They also saw a live powerline demonstration and learned all about electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters.
Watch for information from Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative next year to learn how you or your student can apply to participate in the event. #HOECPower
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