The Orcas Island Edition

Just heard from Suzanne Olsen of OPALCO that there are cool things happening over on Orcas Island in preparation for this year’s Youth Rally over in Boise, ID. Here’s Suzanne…

CAMERON SCHUH TO LEAD 2013 CO-OP YOUTH RALLY
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 22

2013 Youth Directors. Cameron Schuh in the center of the back row – Contributed photo

Orcas High School senior Cameron Schuh, a 2012 OPALCO scholarship recipient, was elected by his peers at the 2012 Co-op Youth Rally to return this year as a Youth Director. This one-week program for high school sophomores and juniors, established in 1986, educates students about rural electrification and grassroots organization, helps them develop leadership skills and also provides some good summer camp fun.

At a planning meeting for the 2013 Rally this month in Boise, Cameron once again rose to the top when he was elected President of the 2103 Youth Directors. For 2013, OPALCO will again be selecting three students to receive the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship ($500) and, with Cameron, attend the Co-op Youth Rally and leadership camp at the College of Idaho. Applications are available online at www.opalco.com; the deadline is March 22.

“This is a life-changing experience,” says Schuh after the 2012 Rally. “I have met so many new and interesting people and am making friendships that will last a lifetime.” Lopez High School senior Marné Cook said of her experiences at the Youth Rally, “I had an amazing time. I met so many incredible people. There was always something to do and I learned so much. The speakers were engaging, interesting and exciting. On top of the wonderful seminars, they planned these epic activities: water park, roller skating, bowling and dances. We even had a talent show. They did a perfect job of balancing education and fun.”

2012 OPALCO Youth Director Connar Smith participating in a team building exercise – Contributed photo

The three students from San Juan County (along with OPALCO chaperones) will join with up to 100 peers from rural electric co-ops in Idaho, Alaska, Oregon, Wyoming, and Utah for a packed schedule of leadership-building activities and fun social events. The Rally, scheduled for July 8-13, is hosted by the Idaho Consumer Utilities Association, which also sponsors additional scholarship awards and leadership opportunities to participating students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities during the Rally.

2013 OPALCO team at the Youth Rally – Contributed photo

All sophomores and juniors from OPALCO member households are eligible to apply. The competition guide book and application are available online at www.opalco.com. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on a personal interview and will receive their awards at OPALCO’s 76th annual meeting on the ferry, scheduled for Saturday, May 4. Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, March 22.
OPALCO is a member-owned cooperative electrical utility serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydro-electric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937.

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