Juniors Geralyn Haney from Stuart High School, Faith Stout from Ada High School and Ava Bolin from Ada High School have been chosen as delegates to the annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour, an all-expense paid leadership experience coordinated by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and sponsored by People’s Electric Cooperative (PEC).
Since 1964, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their local electric cooperative. PEC alone has sent 101 students since 1964.
“To be chosen for the trip is a real honor,” PEC’s vice-president of corporate communications and community relations Jennifer Boeck said. “Particularly since applicants vie for the coveted three spots alongside other teens across PEC’s eleven county service area who are community volunteers, student athletes, and members of respected academic organizations such as National Honor Society, student council, Future Business Leaders of America, and Future Farmers of America, among many other prized clubs and associations.”
Approximately 300 juniors were presented the Youth Tour opportunity in local schools during January, and during February just over 150 students sat for a written test over materials about rural electrification. At the conclusion of the testing dates, an invitation was extended to the students receiving the top 10 scores on the test in order to compete in a final interview competition. PEC’s three winning delegates Haney, Stout and Bolin were selected by a panel of judges based on their poise, originality and personality during their personal interviews.
Also representing their respective schools in the interview portion of the contest were the following finalists: 1st Alternate, Lincoln Estes, Latta High School; 2nd Alternate, Elisabeth Adams, Davis High School; Madilynn Duszynski, Vanoss High School; Zakora Estala, Ada High School; Noah Hinson, Ada High School; Abi Looney, Coalgate High School; and Garrett Morgan, Roff High School.
About the Delegates
Geralyn Haney of Stuart High School also attends Kiamichi Technology Center and Carl Albert State College as a concurrent student. She plans to attend college to obtain a Bachelors and Masters degrees in Exercise Science/Kinesiology and pursue a career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. In Geralyn’s spare time she enjoys playing softball, traveling with family, baking and swimming. Geralyn is the daughter of Gerald and Ronna Haney.
Faith Stout of Ada High School is an AP student and is very involved in Ada’s Student Council as the Public Relations Officer where she uses her communication and graphic design skills to promote school events. She is a five year member of choir. In her spare time she enjoys expanding her knowledge in music and art by teaching herself the piano and painting with watercolor. She is the daughter of James and Rosa Stout.
Ava Bolin of Ada High School is part of Ada High’s varsity women’s tennis team, choir member and captain of Ada High’s academic team. She is also a member of the Fellow Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. One of her goals is to play college tennis. One of her favorite things to do is to travel. It has allowed her to learn more about herself and about the world we live in. It’s one of the best ways to expose yourself to new opportunities. Ava is the daughter of Brandon and Stacy Bolin.
Each year, PEC’s Youth Tour contest is open to 11th grade students enrolled in school (or homeschool) systems located in one of the 11 counties served by PEC. For more information about PEC’s Youth Tour program or other programs available at People’s Electric Cooperative, please contact Jennifer Boeck at (580) 332-3031.