BREC Youth Tour Essay Contest Finalists gather after presenting their essays to those attending the final judging banquet. We appreciate BREC’s Board of Directors for their continued support of this leadership program. 
(Back row left to right) Ashtyn Van de Ven of  Leopold R-III; Merinee Wilson of Leopold R-III; Norah Miller of Fredericktown R-I; Catalina Chanocua of Woodland R-IV; and BREC Director Bill Hovis. 
(Front row, left to right) BREC Director Tom Mooney; Colton Crowell of Fredericktown R-I; Jarett Meredith of Lesterville R-IV; Cohen Beussink of Leopold R-III and BREC Director Dennis Mouser. 

BREC selects Youth Tour 2026 Delegates 

Black River Electric Cooperative’s Annual Youth Tour Essay Contest challenged high school juniors to learn more about their electric cooperative while competing for the “trip of a lifetime.” Students were asked to write an essay about their leadership roles and what they believe is the most impactful aspect of BREC.
 

Finalists were selected from essay entries across the BREC system.  These finalists presented their essays to family, friends and a panel of judges on April 9th at BREC’s headquarters in Fredericktown. Students were competing to win one of three, all-expenses paid trips to the Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. BREC’s winners will join approximately 100 other winners selected by Missouri electric cooperatives and 1,600 delegates from across the nation for an unforgettable week of learning and fun.  Three winners were also selected to attend the Cooperative Youth Conference & Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City, and one contestant earned a cash prize. 
 

“All the finalists did a wonderful job presenting their essays at the banquet,” said Heather Dietiker, Communication Specialist for BREC. “It’s encouraging to see these bright young leaders making a positive difference in their schools and communities. This leadership experience allows them to do just that while learning about the cooperative difference. They are our future member-owners, and we’re honored to be represented by them in Washington D.C.”
 

The three high school juniors chosen to represent BREC in Washington D.C. are: Norah Miller of Fredericktown R-I; Jarett Meredith of Lesterville R-IV; and Ashtyn Van de Ven of Leopold R-II. (Due to a prior schedule commitment, Ashtyn is unable to attend the D.C. trip. The next highest scoring student was Catalina Chanocua of Woodland R-IV, she will represent BREC in D.C. with Norah and Jarett.) 
CYCLE delegates are: Cohen Beussink and Merinee Wilson, both of Leopold R-III.  Receiving a cash prize was Colton Crowell of Fredericktown R-I. 
 

BREC would like to thank the students, parents, teachers and judges who made Youth Tour 2026 a success!
 

View the Youth Tour Highlight Video: