Best & BRIGHTEST

OEC awarded all-expenses-paid trips to seven extremely talented high school juniors during the 2025 Youth Tour Banquet held March 6. Emrie Hays, Jennings Johnson, Tiffany Vartanian and Ava Duarte won a seven-day trip to Washington, D.C. on Oklahoma’s Youth Tour. The other finalists — Madelyn Williams, Katelyn Sieja and Skiliey Turner — won trips to Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Both trips will occur this summer.

All applicants were asked to write a speech about how cooperatives strengthen their communities. Finalists performed their speeches in front of OEC trustees, senior staff, representatives from their schools, their families and three independent judges.

"We want to support and encourage young leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities,” said Carrie Koesler, OEC community outreach associate. “These finalists have shown incredible insight and dedication, and we are excited to see how they will continue to impact the world around them.”

The panel of judges included The Honorable Danny Sterling, who represents House District 27, KC Sheperd. director of farm and ranch programming at Radio Oklahoma Ag. Network and Megan Lawrence, director of member services and marketing at Rural Electric Cooperative.

“I am impressed by the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness each student brought to their speeches,” Koesler said. “This competition highlights the next generation of leaders— students who understand the power of cooperation and community service.”

As winners of the 2025 Youth Tour, Hays, Johnson, Vartanian and Duarte will travel to the nation’s capital in June along with 70 of their peers from electric co-ops across the state. They will spend the week experiencing Washington, D.C.’s historic monuments and museums, meeting with Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation and making new, lifelong friends.

While at Camp RYLA, Williams, Sieja and Turner will learn improved techniques of leadership. Their enthusiasm and technique are brought back to their communities, where their positive influence impacts those around them.

RYLA introduces a large number of young people and their families to the Rotary ideals of service each year. It helps bridge the communication gap between the generations and helps improve relationships among youth groups, families and the community.

“I am confident OEC will be very well represented both in Washington, D.C. and at Camp RYLA,” said OEC CEO Patrick Grace. “The board and I are happy to support programs that encourage new generations of co-op members to dream big and become the community leaders.”

Whether exploring leadership at Camp RYLA or engaging with history and policymakers in Washington, D.C., these outstanding students are embarking on experiences that will shape their futures. OEC is proud to support these young leaders and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years to come.