photos by Sara Schafer and Ricki Spargo
Asher Skelton had a surreal moment this past July. On the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives, the young leader approached a standing microphone and debated a mock bill with 81 new friends. “We got to sit in the chairs of our state representatives,” he says. “It was so cool being able to be in the chamber, explore the Capitol and see the governor’s office.”
Asher is now a member of the 2024 class of the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE). He was sponsored by Barton County Electric Cooperative to attend the four-day leadership conference in Jefferson City and St. Louis. He and his fellow delegates heard from motivational speakers, participated in team-building activities and had a behind-the-scenes view of the Missouri electric cooperative system. This year marked the 21st time electric co-ops have sponsored students to participate in CYCLE.
Makayla Hutchison, who was sponsored by Gascosage Electric Cooperative, attempts to assemble a connector while wearing lineman gloves.
“Students who apply to be part of a program such as CYCLE are motivated and open-minded, not just about their own future but about working with others and learning from the experience,” says Chris Massman, who coordinates CYCLE for Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “Many of them are already active in their communities, and we hope they return home from Jefferson City inspired to do more and with a great support system of new friends.”
The week kicked off with icebreaker activities to help spur networking between the 82 students representing 35 of the state’s electric cooperatives, Missouri Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. Delegates heard from speakers who explained Missouri’s three-tier electric co-op system and its power generation mix, the gear used by lineworkers in the field and the different jobs available at their local electric cooperatives.
“My favorite speaker was Keith Mueller from Central Electric,” says Carson Miller, who was sponsored by Missouri Rural Electric Cooperative. “I didn’t know everything that goes on to make sure we always have electricity.”
Beyond describing the high-tech ways power is generated and distributed, Keith also provided an interactive live-line electrical safety demonstration as students toured Central Electric Power Cooperative. This in-depth experience is geared toward educating delegates who may one day become electric cooperative member-owners.
Another key focus during the conference was Missouri state government. Delegates are divided into groups to draft potential bills. They vote to pick one topic, which they debate on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives. This process gives delegates a firsthand taste of the legislative process.
Zac Irvin, who was sponsored by Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative, snaps a selfie with Dan Meers, aka KC Wolf.
Like Asher, Cayden Irons says the debate was his favorite part of CYCLE. “My group’s bill won the vote, so we debated about increasing accessibility for adoption,” says Cayden, who was sponsored by White River Valley Electric Cooperative. “I was the bill sponsor, so I got to debate with everyone. It was really fun answering everyone’s questions. I was very nervous to debate in front of almost 100 people but I’m really glad I took the opportunity. Everyone took our bill seriously and made their voices heard.”
Chris says the underlying goal of the conference is to help the delegates step out of their comfort zones. This is accomplished by visiting new places, sharing unique experiences and simply having fun.
Delegates toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City and spent a day in St. Louis, crawling through the City Museum and challenging each other to games at Dave & Buster’s. They met Dan Meers (better known as KC Wolf) and heard a presentation by Rachel’s Challenge. That motivating session detailed the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school shootings. At the end of the presentation, delegates were asked to start their own chain reaction of kindness and compassion.
Delegates sign their name on a banner after the Rachel’s Challenge presentation, which detailed the story of Rachel Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings.
“I thought the presentation about Rachel’s Challenge was really emotional and heartfelt,” Asher says. “It really brought light to social issues that don’t get talked about enough, such as bullying and being kind to everyone.”
After four days in Jefferson City, Asher says he learned how to be more outgoing. He is also prepared to take the leadership lessons he learned, expanded knowledge of Missouri government and new communication skills back to his hometown. “CYCLE is one of the great opportunities every high school student should attend,” he says.
For more information on the CYCLE and other cooperative youth programs, visit moyouthtour.com.
CYCLE 2024 by Ricanna Spargo