The opportunity to participate in the National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington D.C. and the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs was open to all current high school juniors who receive their electric power from Empire Electric Association, Inc.

Students are required to complete an application and write a promotional paragraph to share how they could benefit from the leadership trips. A creative element is welcome and can be expanded to include a PowerPoint, a CD, a DVD, a notebook or an art project.

"The youth leadership trips are a tremendous opportunity for our area juniors," said Neal Stephens, EEA General Manager in a written news release from EEA. "It's essential that our next generation gain an understanding about energy needs and policy development at the state and federal levels. We are delighted that we can help further that education."

Area high school student Tyler Daniel (Montezuma-Cortez) was selected to represent EEA as part of the Washington D.C. tour scheduled for June 13-20. Tyler is an aspiring engineer and the creative portion of his application included a video explaining how power lines are placed, how electricity arrives at his home, and how it works within the home.

Other area high school students Alina Umberger (Dolores), Mikkel Waltman (Montezuma-Cortez), Corissa Guynes (Dolores County), and Rachel Allen (Mancos) were selected to attend the Colorado Electric Educational Institute's Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, Colo. on July 14-19. No applications were received from Monticello, Utah this year.

Alina Umberger, a junior at Dolores High School, participates in three sports, student government, and keeps her grades at honor level. She introduced a "No Make-up Monday" to help boost self-esteem and added many volunteer activities to her schedule this year, including testing river water for the River Watch Water Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Montezuma-Cortez High School junior, Mikkel Waltman, created a scrapbook called 'life is a journey' filled with her interests and accomplishments. Leadership, sports, good grades and good deeds are a trend with Mikkel, but what she really likes are outdoor activities like camping, hiking and rock climbing.

Corissa Guynes, Dolores County High School, is interested in both engineering and architecture as career possibilities. She is actively involved in school activities through sports, leadership, National Honor Society, and other outreach programs. Corissa is looking forward to gaining valuable information and skills at leadership camp that she hopes to share with others.

Rachel Allen, a Mancos High School junior, participates in Leadership Montezuma, National Honor Society, and Student Council. Her interest in leadership extends into her future goal of becoming a nurse. As Rachel points out, "Strong leadership skills are necessary in order to educate a patient on how to heal. They need to trust you and through strong leadership, you gain that trust."

Applications for the 2014 Youth Leadership Trips will be available in November at EEA's main office, through area high school counselors, and at www.eea.coop. Home-schooled students are eligible to apply. For additional information, call EEA at 565-4444.