News for members of Northcentral Electric Power Association
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y n n Fu s e n i Fel Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)
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It’s finally here!
The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience opens in Meridian p. 4
6 History comes alive at Shaifer House 10 Mississippi Cooks: Southern comfort cookin’ 17 Cooperatives sponsor Youth Leadership Workshop
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Northcentral sends local students to
Leading the Way into the
FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students
Front row, left to right: Cambell Webb, Emily Merz, Marcy Vanderburg, Camille Howell, Kelli Rhea Second row, left to right: Bryce Smith, Landon Wardlaw, Daisha Matthews, Jeffery Rhea, Kyana Conway, Faith Cox, Max Allen and Meredith Lee (not pictured, Erin Lomenick).
The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi recently held the 32nd Youth Leadership Workshop in downtown Jackson. This annual youth event brought students from across Mississippi to the state capital to meet their legislators and to participate in activities designed to enhance their already present leadership abilities. The workshop began on Wednesday, Feb. 21 and continued through Friday, Feb. 23. Electric cooperatives from all areas of Mississippi participate in the program each year. Max Allen, Kyana Conway, Faith Cox, Camille Howell, Meredith Lee, Erin Lomenick, Daisha Matthews, Emily Merz, Jeffery Rhea, Kelli Rhea, Bryce Smith, Marcy Vanderburg, Landon Wardlaw and Cambell Webb were selected among the schools in Northcentral Electric’s service area to represent the electric cooperative during this hands-on event. “The program was developed to help young leaders determine their strengths and weaknesses while showing them ways to become better leaders. We then encourage them to return home
and put their skills to use,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president and program coordinator. “We challenge these young people to go out and make a difference in the lives of others, exemplifying true leadership.” This year, 80 students attended Front row, left to right: Kell Back row, left to right: Sen. the workshop which was held at Blackwell, Landon Wardlaw the Marriott in downtown Jackson. When the students arrived on Wednesday, the workshop began with a “get acquainted” session and they were put into situations where they had to learn about others. They were then asked to participate in a Town Hall meeting, which encouraged them to discuss issues they are facing as young people. Together with their groups, they developed possible solutions to these issues, and were encouraged by group leaders to take the skills they learned back to their schools where they could make a real difference in the lives of their peers. On Thursday morning, the students lu enjoyed breakfast with senators and representatives sp who serve in state government on behalf of the disth tricts in which they reside. The breakfast was wellva attended with over 40 legislators in attendance. Before fa visiting the Mississippi State Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate th Reeves spoke to the students and encouraged them to ho work hard for their dreams. He gave the students three guidelines for success: dream big, make a plan and in work hard. “If you do these three things, you can W accomplish anything you set your mind to,” he said. te Gov. Phil Bryant continues to support this prosta gram by speaking to the students each year during a
April 2018
o Youth Leadership Workshop
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#ThankALineman THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES.
li Rhea, Emily Merz, Meredith Lee, Cambell Webb, Marcy Vanderburg, Camille Howell, Kyana Conway and Daisha Matthews. . Chris Massey, Erin Lomenick, Rep. Robert Foster, Max Allen, Rep. Dana Criswell, Sen. David Parker, Bryce Smith, Sen. Kevin w, Sen. Neil Whaley, Jeffery Rhea, Rep. Jeff Hale, Faith Cox, Rep. Bill Kinkade and Rep. Steve Massengill.
uncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. During his peech, he encouraged the students to pursue heir dreams and hold on to their Mississippi alues. He discussed the positive economic actors happening in Mississippi and told hem that they don’t have to go far from ome to become successful. “There are so many opportunities for you n Mississippi to take on leadership roles here. Whether you go on to college or choose a echnical trade, there are many advantages to aying right here at home,” he said. The students also heard from other moti-
vational speakers and participated in a fun evening with local magician, Dorian LaChance where he wowed them with his illusions. When the workshop came to a close, the students had made many new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Building leaders is fundamental to building a strong community and through this program, Northcentral Electric hopes to prepare these young people for a bright future. The program has proven to encourage students to reach their goals year after year, and the students take away lifelong relationships. Northcentral Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these outstanding students represent Northcentral Electric,” said Kevin Doddridge, CEO/General Manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the students will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The sevenday trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.
NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 9, 2018
2017 Youth Tour student attends NRECA Annual Meeting
In 2017, Chris Brown of Olive Branch was selected to represent Mississippi for a one year term as a Youth Leadership Council member. Following the 2017 Youth Tour, Chris returned to Washington, D.C., for a conference with other council members from across the United States. He also represented Mississippi at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in
Nashville Feb. 24-28, 2018. Chris is pictured at the Annual Meeting with Kevin Doddridge, CEO/general manager and Michael Bellipanni, director of marketing and business development for Northcentral Electric. Northcentral Electric congratulates Chris on his accomplishments and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.