11 Mar 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Students Visit Mississippi’s State Capitol

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to elected officials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The students earned the opportunity to attend the workshop following a  competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Pictured above left to right are: Carter King from Loyd Star Attendance Center, Mary Katherine Kellum from Brookhaven High School, Chance Graves from Cathedral School and Nya Brandon from Natchez High School.

These students had the opportunity to spend three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem-solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson also spoke to the students during the workshop.