Eight Local Teens, One Step From D.C. | OEC News

By JoMarie Ramsey, Editor and Media Specialist

Finalists Announced for OEC’s 2026 Youth Tour Competition

Eight high school students have advanced as finalists in the 2026 Youth Tour essay contest hosted by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. The students now enter the final stage of the civic-focused competition for a chance to win one of four all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., as part of a national youth leadership program.

The finalists are Kaylee Lore of Newcastle High School, Kolbi Scroggins of Tuttle High School, Raegan Boles of Verden High School, Emily Hufhines of Epic Charter School, Ainsley Cook of Mount St. Mary Catholic High School, Taylor Meeks of Amber-Pocasset High School, Tia Peery of Lexington High School and Sebastian Smith of Norman High School.

“These essays were exceptional,” said Carrie Koesler, OEC community outreach associate. “One essay opened with the soft light filtering through the windows of a pre-dawn barn, perfectly capturing the essence of how the cooperative powers the start of their day. The students shared meaningful, creative stories about how their cooperative impacts their daily lives, and narrowing it down to eight finalists was no easy task. The competition this year is going to be fierce.”

Essay Topic Showcased Cooperative Impact

The students moved forward after submitting essays on the topic, “Powering My Day: How My Electric Cooperative Fuels My Life.” Judges evaluated each submission based on creativity, cooperative insight and writing craft before selecting the eight finalists. The student essay contest emphasizes how community-based electric cooperatives like OEC empower local youth.

Next Steps: Public Speaking and Final Selection

Each finalist will deliver their essay in speech form at the 2026 Youth Tour Banquet before a panel of judges. The judges will select four winners who will represent OEC and Oklahoma on a national stage. The banquet will welcome parents, teachers and peers to support the students in their leadership journey.

Trip of a Lifetime: Leadership in D.C.

The winners will travel June 13 through 19, 2026, as part of the Oklahoma delegation participating in Youth Tour—a nationally recognized youth leadership program. During the trip, students will tour historic monuments and museums, visit national landmarks and meet with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation during Capitol Hill Day. The Youth Tour includes leadership development activities and opportunities to build lasting friendships with student leaders from across the state and country.

History and Significance of the Youth Tour

On a sweltering summer day in 1957, U.S. Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson rose before cooperative leaders with a bold challenge: allow rural students to see their government in action. That pivotal moment led to the launch of the Youth Tour initiative, which quickly gained national momentum. Today, the program stands as one of the most enduring civic education experiences supported by electric cooperatives nationwide.

OEC’s Continued Commitment to Youth and Community

Each year, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative sponsors four high school juniors from within its service territory to participate in the national program. The cooperative’s annual student leadership initiative draws strong interest from students seeking growth in public speaking, civic engagement and leadership skills.

Founded in 1937, OEC remains dedicated to improving its members’ quality of life through reliable electric and broadband services. Its mission includes community engagement and youth development through programs like the Youth Tour. OEC continues to invest in student empowerment and looks ahead to expanding broadband services and launching initiatives that strengthen communities throughout its service area.