HERMISTON, Ore.- Peightin Zumwalt, of Hermiston, made history this summer at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour, June 14-20, in Washington, D.C.
Zumwalt became the first-ever Youth Tour delegate representing Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) to be selected to serve on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
“Peightin’s selection to the Youth Leadership Council is an outstanding achievement and a first for UEC,” said Amy Baker, UEC’s public relations representative. “We congratulate her on this well-earned honor and look forward to seeing the impact she makes as she represents Oregon and UEC at the national level.”
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for high school students.
Cooperatives across the country sponsor outstanding students to travel to Washington, D.C. each summer for the annual tour, where they gain insight into the democratic process, public service, and the cooperative business model.
This year Zumwalt, and Samantha Yates, of Irrigon, represented UEC at the week-long tour, where they met with Oregon’s congressional delegation, had the opportunity to visit monuments and landmarks, and took part in leadership development activities.
Following the tour, one delegate from each state is selected to serve on the YLC, a yearlong leadership and advocacy program administered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Zumwalt was chosen to represent Oregon among a select group of just 45 student leaders nationwide.
YLC delegates participate in leadership workshops and educational experiences designed to strengthen their understanding of the cooperative business model, grassroots advocacy, and public service, according to UEC.
In late July, YLC delegates will attend a “basecamp” training, consisting of workshops, team building, and meetings with NRECA leadership.
Serving on the YLC also provides delegates with the opportunity to develop public speaking and communication skills, build relationships with peers from across the country, and gain valuable experience representing their communities and cooperatives at the national level.
According to NRECA, starting in August, YLC delegates will participate in monthly virtual leadership development training, while also working with their local co-ops on projects.
In February 2027, YLC delegates will attend NRECA’s PowerXchange and TechAdvantage in San Diego, CA.
