2010 ETREYS Attendees and Scholarship Winners

WCEC sponsored ten youth delegates at the 2010 East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS) held at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX, June 21-25.  The students arrived home with a new perspective on electric cooperatives, and two WCEC students captured scholarships from the 13 awarded at camp.  The youth delegates joined approximately 100 other participants, each sponsored by one of nine East Texas electric cooperatives, to participate in the ETREYS program, which is intended to promote positive ideals, improve leadership skills, and teach the cooperative philosophy. 

Front (L-R)  Jonathan Ladd, Jenelle   Milam, Lauren Benton, Emiley Wilkinson, Rachel Backer

Back (L-R) Cole Huizinga, Ryan Fisk, Alex Johnson, Danielle Sanders.

The schedule consisted of many teambuilding exercises, as well as presentations by 10 outstanding speakers, including Keith Davis, former NFL championship football player, Tommy Engelke, a longtime cooperative advocate and Cain Schuler with an inspiring program called America's Forgotten Heroes and History, among others. The delegates that represented WCEC for ETREYS 2010 were Rachel Backer, Mineola; Lauren Benton, Mineola; Ryan Fisk, Mt. Vernon; Cole Huizinga, Mt. Vernon; Alex Johnson, Quitman; Jonathan Ladd, Mt. Vernon; Jenelle Milam, Grand Saline; Danielle Sanders, Quitman; Emiley Wilkinson, Alba.  The group was lead by returning student and Youth Director, Chad Cleere, Grand Saline.

During ETREYS, Jonathan Ladd was awarded a scholarship and also by popular vote, earned the title of Mr. ETREYS.  He was also chosen to represent WCEC next year as the Youth Director.  Additionally, he was recognized with the Happy Feet award for his dance participation.  Cole Huizinga was also awarded a scholarship and Danielle Sanders was recognized for being the most punctual.

WCEC CEO/General Manager, Debbie Robinson said, “This leadership program opens many doors for the students, and my hope for each delegate is that he or she will carry the lessons learned at ETREYS forward to the benefit of both themselves and others."

Learn Safety & Conservation with Touchstone Energy Tools

At WCEC, it’s important to us that we offer our members educational tools, so they are able to make smart decisions about electricity use.  Now, quick residential energy efficiency tips are just a few mouse clicks away.  Because WCEC is a Touchstone Energy Partner, our members can now take advantage of some simple web based applications known as "Touchstone Energy $avers."  These tools include a Light Bulb Energy Saver, which swiftly calculates dollars saved by replacement of CFLs, as well as tips about selecting an efficient water heater.  There’s also an excellent Virtual House Tour which offers information and instruction on home energy efficiency.

And, the whole family can learn energy saving tips, become educated on renewable energy options, and also play educational and fun games about energy by visiting the Touchstone Energy Kids Zone.  It’s a cool place for all to learn about electricity, energy savings and very importantly, electrical safety.  Check it all out by clicking on these links:   www.touchstoneenergysavers.com     and   www.touchstoneenergykids.com