BRINLIE STEVENS, a high school senior from Scott Community High School, recently returned from the 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) PowerXchange in San Antonio, Texas.
The leadership learning experience from March 3-6 was a whirlwind according to Stevens, who served as a volunteer with fellow Youth Leadership Council (YLC) delegates from 44 states.
“[The conference] made me more aware of how necessary and vital electric cooperatives are in rural communities,” Stevens said. “I now have a better understanding of why it’s so important that NRECA makes these youth events.
Getting our generation interested in co-ops ensures the future for electric cooperatives is bright. This week also has shown me that I am braver and more outgoing than I thought!”
YLC delegates opened the conference during the general session, in front of thousands of representatives from electric cooperatives from across the country. YLCs introduced speakers, passed out microphones, counted attendance and other various conference tasks.
Stevens represented Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) during the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June 2023. During Youth Tour, she was selected as the Kansas YLC delegate by her peers.
“My favorite part of this week was watching my fellow YLC delegates perform their talents at the talent show and seeing Josh Turner,” Stevens added, referring to the country and gospel singer and songwriter who provided entertainment during the close of the conference.
Stevens says both Youth Tour and PowerXchange were inspirational experiences she will carry with her through her years of higher education and her career.
“I had the best week and I now have a friend in almost every state,” she said. “The kids on this trip are incredible and I couldn’t help but want to be friends with every single one of them. I know we will all go on to do amazing things!”
Congratulations, Brinlie Stevens! Thank you for representing our great state and WEC!
In addition to Stevens’ attendance, the PowerXchange conference in San Antonio was also attended by several members of WEC’s staff. WEC sends a rotation of employees each year to pursue professional development opportunities and conduct association business.
