The two winners earned top scores for creatively and astutely answering essay questions, which explored the seven cooperative principles that electric co-ops were founded on, leadership qualities they value, and what being part of an electric cooperative means to them.†First Place: Ella Anderson, Junior at Discovery Canyon CampusWhen asked about what qualities a good leader has, Ella said, ìA leader is trustworthy and responsible ñ this person should set a good example everywhere life takes them. Leadership is being able to inspire others to be their best, while also doing all you can to be your best self.î Not only is Ella a skilled writer, she also participates in numerous extracurricular activities, is a member of the National Honor Society, leadership council, student senate, is a young champion ambassador, and participates in her church youth group.†Second Place: Carolyna Truong, Junior at The Classical Academy †Carolyna feels, ìa good leader is one that has courage, integrity, honesty, humility, and clear focus. She finds ways to encourage and build courage in others so that she, and everyone she leads, can take on the most difficult task and persevere to the end.î Carolyna works on her leadership skills while participating in her schoolís marching band, concert band, varsity tennis team, and Destination Imagination (a structural building competition). She has also been inducted into the National Honor Society.†As the first and second place winners, Ella and Carolyna will receive an all-expense-paid week-long leadership trip to Washington D.C. for Youth Tour during the summer of 2022.†MVEAís Youth Leadership Trip Contest encourages high school sophomores and juniors to familiarize themselves with the cooperative business model, while giving them the chance to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime leadership opportunity. This yearís contest attracted quality applicants from around MVEAís service territory. Applicants were blind judged by the Education Committee, which is comprised of members from MVEAís Board of Directors.
