Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative (CHEC) recently held its annual Oklahoma Youth Tour competition. Nearly 50 high school juniors from across Sequoyah and Haskell counties applied for the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. this summer, along with a $1,000 scholarship.

Students began the process by submitting an application that included written response questions. Applications were then judged and narrowed down to the Top 10 Finalists. Those finalists then participated in an interview at CHEC’s Stigler office.

Following the interviews, four winners were selected to represent CHEC on the Oklahoma Youth Tour trip this June. The remaining six finalists each received a $250 scholarship towards their education after high school.

The winners of the competition, receiving a trip to Washington, D.C. are Jayne Baldridge, Keota High School; Delilah Wolfe, Vian High School; Nina Kinsey, Muldrow High School; and Kendyll Miller, Muldrow High School.

The Top 10 finalists of the competition are Jayne Baldridge, Keota High School; Delilah Wolfe, Vian High School; Eden Girty, Vian High School; Kendyll Miller, Muldrow High School; Nina Kinsey, Muldrow High School; Konnor Wormke, Central High School; Trenton Fitzgerald, Homeschool; Brady Fuller, Kinta High School; Dee Antwine, Vian High School; and Mason Hardin, Muldrow High School.

In addition to the primary competition, CHEC recognized participants and educators through the Bonus Competition cash giveaway.

Audrey Smith of Gore High School won $100 simply for applying for the competition, Mrs. Amanda Reeves of Muldrow High School won $100 for having a student enter the competition, and Mrs. Melissa Winans of Vian High School won $200 for having a student place in the Top 10.

CHEC is proud to invest in the future leaders of our community through programs like the Oklahoma Youth Tour as well as many others. For questions about Youth Programs, call 800-328-2368 or email mcarson@cooksonhills. com.