Six local high school juniors recently represented East Mississippi Electric Power Association in Jackson for the 37th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop. They were among a group of 85 outstanding high school leaders from across the state.

Hosted annually in Jackson, the program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking and encourages community service. During the workshop, students visited with senators and representatives from their districts, toured the Mississippi State Capitol and heard from speakers like Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson.

Reps. Billy Adam Calvert, Joey Hood and Troy Smith and Sens. Jenifer Branning, Rod Hickman and Jeff Tate also met with the student representatives.

The students earned the trip to the workshop through a competitive selection process including personal interviews. The experience has proven over the years to encourage students to reach far and wide to realize their goals and dreams.

“These students are our community’s upcoming leaders, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help them grow into their full potential,” said EMEPA Director of Marketing and Communication Julie Boles. “This program not only teaches valued leadership skills but showcases our government in action and the influence these young leaders can have on the future of our community, state and nation.”

In June, the students will travel to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to popular monuments and memorials, as well as opportunities to interact with congressional leaders and fellow student representatives from across the country.

EMEPA students LilyAnn Cooper, of Russell Christian Academy; Christian Hopson, of Northeast Lauderdale High School; Paisley Ivey, of Clarkdale High School; Erial Mays, of Noxapater Attendance Center; Clay Miles, of Kemper Academy and Sam Nance, of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center spent the three days in Jackson with other students from across the state.