Nobles Cooperative Electric announces the winners of its annual Youth Tour, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of rural leaders. This year, the cooperative recognized five local students for their applications and interviews, showcasing the talent within the community.
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and local cooperatives like Nobles Cooperative Electric, provides a transformative, all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C. High school students gain the opportunity to engage with elected officials, exploring historical landmarks and connecting with peers nationwide. The tour experience highlights the importance of community involvement and cooperative values, demonstrating firsthand how electric cooperatives empower communities and contribute to national well-being. The tour emphasizes leadership development, civic engagement and understanding the unique principles of electric cooperatives.
The top five applications for the youth tour were selected for in-person interviews. The 2024 award recipients are:
First Place: Ava Reemtsma, daughter of Mike and Joni, from Murray County Central . She was awarded a trip to Washington from June 16-21, joining approximately 1,500 teenagers nationwide for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Second Place: Gretchen Lefdal, daughter of Dustin and Catherine, from Ellsworth High School. She was awarded a $500 scholarship, and will serve as the first alternate for the D.C. trip.
Third Place: Keyona Klingenberg, daughter of Heidi Klingenberg, from Adrian High School. She was awarded a $150 scholarship.
Fourth Place: Holland Vogel, daughter of Mark and Joanna, from Murray County Central. She was awarded a $100 gift certificate.
Fifth Place: Jozie Cuperus, daughter of Jake and Jill, from Adrian High School. She was awarded a gift certificate.
All high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending school in Nobles Cooperative Electric’s service area can apply. Applications for the 2026 tour are due in February of next year.
Youth Tour Award Winners (pictured left to right) are Keyona Klingenberg, Ava Reemtsma, Holland Vogel, Gretchen Lefdal and Jozie Cuperus.
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