Local Students Represent MLEC at Statewide Leadership Summit

Local Students Represent MLEC at Statewide Leadership SummitLewis and Perry County juniors gain hands-on experience in Nashville

(March 23, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s commitment to local students continues by sponsoring two high school juniors to attend the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit.

Perry County High School junior Landon Warren and Lewis County High School junior Andie Starcher joined other high school juniors from across the state in Nashville for the three-day conference March 16-18. They received a hands-on look at state government, learned networking and leadership skills, and developed a better understanding of their local electric cooperatives. MLEC Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong served as chaperone.

“These students will soon be our community leaders and electric cooperative member-owners,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We want them to share our passion for their hometowns, so it is an honor for MLEC to help prepare them for the opportunities that are ahead. The future of our rural communities depends on a generation of strong leaders like these.”

While in Nashville, delegates visited the State Capitol Building and met State Representatives Kirk Haston and Jody Barrett. They also were greeted by Governor Bill Lee and participated in a mock legislative session in the Senate chambers.

In addition to meeting lawmakers and experiencing the state Capital, students also developed their leadership and team-building skills at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagen and completed a leadership training course with leadership expert Amy Gallimore. Delegates also attended the Grand Ole Opry, visited the GooGoo store and toured the Country Music Hall of Fame.

(Pictured from left to right: MLEC Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong, Lewis County High School junior Andie Starcher and Perry County High School junior Landon Warren.)

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