Kalie Korkmaz and Breanna Werner, both of Butler High School, were among the 96 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program. The conference was held July 15-18, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Jefferson City. They were sponsored by the COOPERATIVE, TOWN.
Each year, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events such as the “build a cooperative” game.
Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. The presentation details the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school shootings. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about her legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life.
Students toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. They also saw a live powerline demonstration and learned all about electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters.
The learning didn’t end in Jefferson City. Students took a day trip to St. Louis to tour the City Museum and St. Louis Arch. They also enjoyed an evening of food and games at Dave & Buster’s.
The CYCLE program is in its 22nd year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.
