Lily Ledford and Garrett LaLonde, both of Marshall County, joined high school juniors from across the state in Nashville for the annual Youth Leadership Summit sponsored in part by Duck River Electric Membership Corporation.

“We congratulate these future leaders for being selected to represent their high schools, community and Duck River Electric at this leadership event,” said Scott Spence, DREMC President and CEO. “These students are selected by their guidance counselors, and they truly are among the best and the brightest.”

Each year, Tennessee’s electric cooperatives sponsor two students from their respective service areas to attend the Summit. Because DREMC serves multiple counties, students are selected on a rotating basis among the communities served by the cooperative.

Delegates to the event received an up-close look at state government, practiced networking and leadership skills, and developed a better understanding of their local electric cooperatives.

While in Nashville, delegates visited the State Capitol Building where they were welcomed by Secretary of State Tre Hargett and members of the Tennessee General Assembly. Summit attendees held a mock legislative session in the Senate Chambers, debating and voting on a bill they developed. In addition to lawmakers, students heard from leaders like Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen, Jane Marie Franks, and State Trooper Shane Moore and K-9 Officer Sumo with the Tennessee Executive Protection Detail.

The Youth Leadership Summit also included a day of leadership training at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center and a behind-the-scenes tour of Bridgestone Arena prior to a Nashville Predators game.

Delegates to the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to be leaders and use their talents to improve rural Tennessee. “The future is built on the investments we make today, and there is no greater investment that we can make than to prepare these young people to face the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow,” adds Spence. “The Youth Leadership Summit is an example of the many ways that electric cooperatives, like Duck River Electric, are building a brighter Tennessee. It is an honor for Duck River Electric to help prepare them for the opportunities that are ahead.”

Lily Ledford, Connie Potts of Duck River Electric, and Garrett LaLonde enjoyed a tour of the historic Tennessee State Capitol.

Summit participants gathered in the Tennessee Senate Chamber and participated and voted in a mock session.

While visiting the capitol and Legislative Plaza, LaLonde and Ledford met with Rep. Todd Warner, center, who represents Marshall County.