Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Each year, the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives hosts Youth Day, bringing together more than 300 students in Springfield from across the state representing their local electric and telephone cooperatives. Heidi Hall, member services manager for Shelby Electric, stated, “Youth Day is one of the cooperative’s biggest youth events, recognizing exceptional local students.”
The annual event brings leadership lessons, tours of historical sites, and a visit to the State Capitol to meet with senators and representatives. For a few lucky students, this day is just the beginning; interviews at the conclusion of the day determine who represents their local cooperative on the Youth to Washington Tour to be held in June.
“Unfortunately, the 2020 Youth Day ended up with a completely different look – CANCELED,” Hall stated. Scheduled for March 31, 2020, Youth Day was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hall continued, “COVID-19 has made some drastic impacts on large events; ours was no exception. Keeping everyone safe is the priority. The Youth to Washington Tour in June has also been canceled for 2020.”
Despite the cancellation, Shelby Electric Cooperative would like to acknowledge the 18 students selected by their school districts to attend Youth Day (in no particular order):
- Adam Fearday, Neoga High School
- Claire Cardinal, Neoga High School
- Robert LeCates, Meridian High School
- Zoey Hayes, Meridian High School
- Ethan Suarez, Okaw Valley High School
- Carleigh Bobbett, Okaw Valley High School
- Dawson Boys, Stew-Stras High School
- Mariah Hoene, Stew-Stras High School
- Jackson Sarver, Cowden-Herrick High School
- Mason Manley, Cowden-Herrick High School
- Boone Elledge, Pana High School
- Brock Schoonover, Pana High School
- Kaylee Lawrence, Central A&M High School
- Abigail Vidmar, Central A&M High School
- Maia Casterline, Nokomis High School
- Madigan Hoffman, Nokomis High School
- Andi Hall, Shelbyville High School
- Zachary Hood, Shelbyville High School
Although Youth Day had been canceled, the cooperative scheduled phone and FaceTime interviews to select winners for the Youth to Washington Tour. Interviews were conducted on March 25 and 26. Since Youth Tour was also canceled, winners have been given the option of going on the 2021 Youth Tour.
“We want to acknowledge our Youth Tour winners: Claire Cardinal, daughter of Chad and MarySue Cardinal of Neoga, and Zachary Hood, son of James Hood and Amber Hood of Shelbyville, for their efforts in applying and interviewing for this opportunity. They deserve to be recognized,” noted Hall.
Runner-ups were Abigail Vidmar, daughter of Pam and John Vidmar of Assumption, and Adam Fearday, son of Stan and Shari Fearday of Sigel.
Congratulations to all participating students! Stay safe and stay healthy!
Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members large and small. More than 700 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states deliver energy and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. SEC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 10,000 meters over 2,203 miles of line in parts of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon and Shelby counties. For more information visit shelbyelectric.coop. Like the cooperative on Facebook, facebook.com/YourCoop or search Shelby Electric Cooperative.
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