Local young leaders learn about government during summit

Cannon County High School students Ashlyn Nokes and Bryson Bell were in Nashville March 12-14 for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association's annual Youth Leadership Summit. The juniors were chosen and sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric. Delegates to the annual event receive a hands-on look at state government, learn networking and leadership skills and develop a better understanding of their local electric cooperatives.

While in Nashville, the students visited the State Capitol Building where they were welcomed to Nashville by members of the Tennessee General Assembly. Alan Whittington, assistant chief clerk of the Senate, explained the process required to pass legislation, and students debated and voted on a mock bill.

"These students will soon be our community leaders -- and electric cooperative member-owners," said Jay Sanders, MTEMC community relations coordinator. "We want to help prepare them for the opportunities that are ahead. The future of our communities depends on a new generation of strong leaders like these."

In addition to lawmakers, students also heard from Tennessee leaders like Ms. Tennessee 2018 Caty Davis; Adam Hammond, anchor for Nashville's NewsChannel5; and Trooper Jeffrey Buchanan with the Tennessee Executive Protection Detail.

Delegates to the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to be leaders in their hometowns and use their talents to improve Tennessee.

"Local electric co-ops, school officials and guidance counselors chose these deserving students to attend the summit based on their interests in government and strong leadership abilities," said Todd Blocker, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association vice president of member relations and director of the Youth Leadership Summit. "They will be the next generation of leaders in rural Tennessee, and we want to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they will face."

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative providing electricity to more than 220,000 residential and business members in Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford and Cannon counties.

For more information, please contact MTEMC Communications Coordinator Josh Clendenen at 615-494-1071.