People’s Electric Cooperative (PEC) has selected three area high school juniors to represent the cooperative on the 2026 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour, an all-expense-paid leadership experience coordinated by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.
The 2026 PEC Youth Tour delegates are Bradley Abney of Stratford High School, Maggie Cooper of Byng High School, and Kambree Winters of Ada High School.
Since 1964, more than 50,000 students nationwide have participated in the Youth Tour program, gaining firsthand insight into government, leadership, and civic engagement. During that time, PEC alone has sponsored 113 students from its service territory.
“Being selected for Youth Tour is a tremendous honor,” said Jennifer Boeck, vice president of corporate communications and community relations at People’s Electric Cooperative. “These students were chosen from a highly competitive group of applicants representing schools across PEC’s eleven-county service area—students who are leaders, volunteers, athletes, and members of respected academic organizations such as National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA, and FBLA.”
Approximately 200 high school juniors were introduced to the Youth Tour opportunity through school visits in October. In November, 101 students participated in a written examination covering the history of rural electrification. The top 10 scoring students advanced to a final interview round, where three delegates were selected based on poise, originality, communication skills, and personality.
Additional finalists who participated in the interview competition include:
Ava Thetford, Ada Prep Academy (1st Alternate);
Mason Dansby, Roff High School (2nd Alternate);
Grace Hajny, Tishomingo High School;
Emma Mayo, Byng High School;
Emily McBrien, Davis High School;
Kinley Sellers, Byng High School; and
Callum Simmons, Vanoss High School.
About the Delegates
Bradley Abney, Stratford High School, is actively involved in basketball, Student Council, and Business Professionals of America (BPA). He currently serves as BPA’s State Parliamentarian, collaborating with fellow officers to plan statewide conferences and organizational initiatives. Bradley is also involved in his church, Crosspointe in Ada, and enjoys reading and studying the Bible. He is known for his leadership, faith, and commitment to personal growth. He is the son of Linsey Abney.
Maggie Cooper, Byng High School, is a hardworking and motivated student who takes pride in her academics and involvement. Her favorite subject is math, and she strives to be responsible, respectful, and positive both in and out of the classroom. Maggie is involved in Student Council and FFA, where she enjoys giving speeches and challenging herself to grow as a leader and communicator. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family at the lake. Described by her peers as friendly, dependable, and kind, Maggie plans to pursue a career in health care and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others. She is the daughter of Jessica and Curtis Cooper.
Kambree Winters, Ada High School, is a straight-A student with a strong interest in History and Anatomy. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a career as a speech-language therapist. Kambree is a member of the Ada High School pom team, the Couganns, where she has developed lasting friendships and a strong appreciation for teamwork. She enjoys quilting, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is the daughter of Shari and Tommy Winters.
Each year, PEC’s Youth Tour contest is open to 11th-grade students enrolled in public, private, or homeschool systems located within PEC’s 11-county service area.
For more information about PEC’s Youth Tour program or other community programs offered by People’s Electric Cooperative, contact Jennifer Boeck at (580) 332-3031.
