MLEC Delegates Participate in Youth Co-op Event

High school students learn about leadership and state government

(March 28, 2025 – Centerville, TN) – East Hickman High School Junior Izzy Naragon and Waverly Central High School Junior Kyson Summers participated in Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit March 17-19 in Nashville, TN.

Each year, Meriwether Lewis works with high schools in the service area to sponsor two juniors on a rotational basis. Naragon and Summers joined by MLEC Marketing Coordinator Memori DePriest spent three days with 44 other high school juniors networking, developing leadership skills and learning about electric cooperatives and government.

During their stay, delegates heard about the importance of the member-owned electric cooperative business model, its impact on communities and how to become a leader. Governor Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett joined the group and Representatives Jody Barrett and Jay Reedy met with MLEC delegates continuing the learning experience.

“YLS was an awesome opportunity to meet people from all over Tennessee and socialize, while also teaching about cooperative principles,” Summers said. “It’s an extremely friendly environment full of people excited about what they do.”

“I think YLS is an awesome experience that has personally helped me open up to people more,” Naragon said.

“The Youth Leadership Summit is a great opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zone to grow and meet other students from across the state,” DePriest said. “We’re building future leaders, and it’s an honor to see it happen. I look forward to the future Izzy and Kyson step into.”

Attendees also sharpened their team-building skills by visiting the YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagan and participating in scavenger hunt exercises. Students were also reminded about the importance of electrical safety through live demonstrations from Tennessee Job Training and Safety.

A night of Nashville classics also filled the agenda with a visit to the Goo Goo Cluster Store, the Country Music Hall of Fame and an Andy Grammer concert at The Ryman.

Cutline – MLEC Youth Leadership Summit Delegates Kyson Summers and Izzy Naragon meet their State Representatives Jay Reedy and Jody Barrett in front of the State Capitol Building. From left to right: Reedy, Summers, Naragon and Barrett.

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