Next level leadership

By Hayley Leatherwood March 2024

Co-ops amplify the rural voices of tomorrow

Steeped in history and charged with promise, Oklahoma’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program has served as a catalyst for more than 3,300 young leaders across the state since 1964.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is an annual event organized by electric cooperatives across the United States. Local electric cooperatives sponsor deserving rural high school students to visit Washington, D.C., for a week-long educational tour.

During Youth Tour, students learn about the cooperative business model, the importance of electric cooperatives in their communities and the role of government in the energy that powers their lives. They also get to explore Washington, D.C., visit historical sites and meet with elected officials to discuss issues relevant to their hometowns.

From Capitol Hill to community initiatives, these trailblazers have leveraged their experiences to effect positive change, embodying the spirit of leadership and advocacy that lies at the heart of the cooperative business model.

Here we celebrate three distinct alumni of the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, and how the program powered them to build a brighter tomorrow.

Empowering dreams

Colton Williams, a native of Prague, Oklahoma, always had a fascination with severe weather, sparked by a childhood encounter with a tornado.

“I was the last person in our shelter because I wanted to watch it develop and keep moving towards us,” Williams says.

This passion led him to pursue a meteorology degree at the University of Oklahoma, where he also got involved with the student newscast, “OU Nightly.” Combining the top-ranked meteorology program with the second-ranked journalism program in the country, Williams found the perfect environment to hone his skills.

During college, Williams began his meteorology career in Lawton, working weekend mornings at a local TV station while still attending classes. He later seized an opportunity at Fox 25 in Oklahoma City, showcasing his dedication to the field before landing a full-time position at KTUL News Channel 8 in Tulsa.

His journey underscores the importance of hard work and perseverance, coming from a small graduating class of 52 students to competing with peers from much larger schools. Williams emphasizes the value of work ethic and determination in achieving one’s dreams, regardless of background or circumstances.

Reflecting on his experience with Youth Tour, sponsored by Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative, Williams acknowledges its profound impact, instilling in him a love for travel and politics. While his career path ultimately led him to meteorology, he cherishes the friendships and connections made during the trip, especially learning the importance of seizing opportunities for personal growth and networking.

“I have been blessed with many opportunities, including a study abroad trip to Paris, France, which was phenomenal. But believe it or not, Oklahoma Youth Tour trip to this day has been the neatest experience I have had,” Williams says.

As Williams continues to thrive in his career, he encourages young people to pursue their passions relentlessly, reminding them that hard work and dedication can overcome any obstacle. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to turn their dreams into reality, proving that with perseverance and determination, anything is achievable.

Igniting passions

Cheyenne Leach, a determined and ambitious student from Pawnee, Oklahoma, shares her inspiring journey from her small town upbringing to her aspirations of making a difference on Capitol Hill. Graduating during the pandemic in 2020, Leach’s resilience and determination shone through as she pursued her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University.

During a recent interview, Leach reflected on her transformative experience on the Youth Tour, sponsored by Indian Electric Cooperative, which sparked her interest in policy and legislative affairs. Despite initial nervousness, the trip to Washington, D.C., opened her eyes to the world of politics and inspired her to pursue a career in shaping policy, either through communication or legislative channels.

“All it takes is just someone to believe in you,” Leach says. “It took a group of individuals that did not know me to change my entire life and outlook on what I could be and what I could achieve.”

Leach’s journey took her through various internships, including a stint in radio broadcasting, where she honed her communication skills. Her time at KOSU and Radio Oklahoma Ag Network provided invaluable mentorship and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

Reflecting on her Youth Tour experience, Leach emphasized the impact of meeting with representatives and senators, which fueled her passion for understanding the intricacies of legislation and its effects on communities like hers in rural Oklahoma.

She shared her vision of returning to Oklahoma after gaining experience in D.C., where she hopes to bridge the gap between state and national policy and advocate for issues close to her heart, including agriculture, education, healthcare and indigenous affairs.

Leach’s advice to aspiring youth echoes her own journey: approach every opportunity with a willingness to learn and embrace the unknown. She encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, knowing that with determination and support, they can achieve their dreams.

“Opportunities are available. You just have to get past the fear of failure,” Leach says.

As Leach looks ahead to the next decade, her sights are set on making a difference in her home state and beyond. Her optimism and dedication serve as a beacon of hope for future generations of Oklahoma co-op youth.

Forging connections

Paeton Watkins, a native of Stillwater, Oklahoma, has a passion for medicine that has been nurtured through personal experiences and dedication. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology with pre-medical studies and a minor in microbiology at Oklahoma State University, Watkins also works full-time as a pharmacy technician to support her education.

Watkins’ interest in medicine was inspired by her mother’s journey to become a nurse while balancing work and education. As a teenager, she assisted her with studying, sparking her passion for health care.

“I am driven because I want to make my family proud, and because I want to leave the world better than it was when I entered it,” Watkins says.

Motivation for her also stems from a place of gratitude. There have been a few opportunities, like Youth Tour, that have impacted her life and she eagerly anticipates any opportunity to make a difference.

“The desire to reach a place where I can pay it forward is strong,” Watkins says. “Motivation for me isn’t one-dimensional, but rather a myriad of things that all push me toward the same goal.”

Watkins has actively pursued opportunities in the medical field, including volunteering at a local hospital and participating in the Rippy Fellowship, which provided hands-on experience in various medical specialties.

Watkins was also selected as a 2023 Cambridge scholar and spent time at the University of Cambridge in England. Reflecting on her journey, Watkins recalls her nervousness during her first independent travel experience on the Youth Tour in 2019, an opportunity provided by Central Rural Electric Cooperative. This transformative trip not only expanded her horizons but also ignited a sense of confidence and adventure.

“That experience allowed me to not just shine, but also to grow,” Watkins says. “If I never had the confidence to try and step into leadership roles, not only would I miss out on some wonderful experiences, but I’d also never know where I needed to improve. I’m honestly not sure if I’d be the same person today if I hadn’t gone on Youth Tour.”

Preparation for medical school has been a long-term endeavor for Watkins, who began working in a pharmacy at the age of 18 to gain insight into pharmacology, a challenging aspect of medical education. Currently, she is studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) with the goal of starting medical school in 2025.

Reflecting on her achievements, Watkins values the impact she has made on patients’ lives as a volunteer and pharmacy technician. She emphasizes the importance of Youth Tour in shaping her confidence and leadership skills, leading her to remain actively involved in cooperative communities.

Watkins fondly remembers moments from Youth Tour, particularly standing where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and the bittersweet feeling of the program’s conclusion, which transformed her initial apprehension into gratitude and joy.

“It’s scary at first to realize how many possibilities lay ahead, but once you get past the fear, you’ll realize the moments that come after far outweigh any fear from before,” Watkins says. “Then, eventually you’ll look back and wonder how you were ever afraid in the first place.”

Let the adventure begin

Would you or someone you know be interested in a free trip to Washington, D.C? High school juniors are encouraged to contact their local cooperative to apply. Click here to learn more!