Next-Generation of Area Leaders Shine in Missouri Electric Co-op Youth Program
Pictured Left to Right: 2025 CYCLE Delegates: Cora Presson (School of the Ozarks), Rylan Stone (Hollister), Quaid Hasler (Hollister), Will Lebsock (Hollister), Oliver Bonucchi (Ozark), and Aubrey Fitzpatrick (School of the Ozarks).
Branson, Missouri –
High school students from the Ozarks joined other high school students from across the state at the Missouri State Capitol to attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE).
White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC) sponsored six local delegates to attend the conference: Cora Presson (School of the Ozarks), Rylan Stone (Hollister), Quaid Hasler (Hollister), Will Lebsock (Hollister), Oliver Bonucchi (Ozark), and Aubrey Fitzpatrick (School of the Ozarks).
The four-day annual event hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) was held in Jefferson City July 15-18. AMEC provides the opportunity for Missouri sophomores and juniors to learn what it is like to serve in political leadership positions and get involved in community service, as well as the cooperative form of business.
CYCLE delegates took part in a variety of activities during the conference. The program included nationally known speakers, like Rachel’s Challenge and Dan Meers (KC Wolf), and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill becomes a law and leadership activities.
“This trip has shown me how many diverse ways leaders can be used throughout our community,” said Aubrey Fitzpatrick.
“CYCLE was an amazing trip. It was so fun, and I learned so much,” said Cora Presson. “On top of that, I made some amazing friendships that I know will last for a lifetime. It was a great opportunity to learn, have fun, and meet great people.”
To be eligible for the annual CYCLE Contest, students must (1) be a high school sophomore and attend a high school within WRVEC’s five-county service territory or (2) be home-schooled within WRVEC’s five-county service territory, be between 15-16 years of age, and be at a sophomore level equivalent. Their family does not need to be a member of the Cooperative, but they must attend a school in the service territory. Applications for the 2025 CYCLE Contest will be available March 2026.
For more information about CYCLE, visit www.whiteriver.org/community/youth-programs/cycle/.
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About White River Valley Electric Cooperative
White River Valley Electric Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative dedicated to ensuring our members receive safe and reliable service in their homes and businesses across five southwest Missouri counties including Ozark, Taney, Stone, Christian and Douglas.
