Local students to attend Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp

Selected high school juniors are sponsored by La Plata Electric

DURANGO, Colo. – Two area students have been selected to attend the 2010 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) will sponsor Cory Kerns of Durango and Mele LeLievre of Pagosa Springs for the all-expenses paid educational/leadership experience at Glen Eden Resort set for July 18-23.

Each summer, the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp brings together approximately 100 high school students selected by electric cooperatives in Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming to learn about the organization and operation of a cooperative, as well as to build leadership skills designed to assist students in meeting the challenges they will face in the future.

“As a chaperone at the 2009 Leadership Camp I had opportunity to really see some of these young leaders in the making – one of whom plans to go to Washington D.C. and represent southwest Colorado,” said Ray Pierotti, LPEA project specialist. “The camp is an extremely valuable learning experience for our youth, and I look forward to being part of the program this year.”

Kerns, who is president of the Durango High School Interact Club and involved with the Aerospace Design Team, LaCrosse and more – and has climbed more than 25 Fourteeners – looks forward to studying engineering with an eye for invention as he moves forward.

Excerpted from his winning essay, Kerns noted, “In the future, I mean to be a leader in every sense of the word. Now, while I’m young, I’m trying to get all the knowledge I can on the topic. The opportunity to learn at the CYLC… is enormous.”

LeLievre, also selected by LPEA to attend the 2010 Washington DC Youth Tour, is active as secretary and treasurer in FBLA, Varsity cross country and track, as well as the High Mountain Institute, a leadership/backpacking program. She aspires to pursue a career in architecture.

LeLievre’s winning essay concluded, “It’s the subtle leaders in everyday life that make the biggest impact. Positivity, dedication, passion, self-confidence, finding themselves and the leading by examples are all my ideas of a good leader.”

“We are interested in honoring the selected students for their accomplishments,” said Greg Munro, LPEA CEO, noting that the students will meet with the LPEA board of directors following their experience at the camp. “We’re very proud of our leadership students and want to hear from them. We learn a lot from them as well.”

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible.  The cooperative offers a variety of educational programs and employment opportunities. For additional information, visit www.lpea.coop.

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