One of the things we enjoy the most at Wayne-White Electric, is when we have the chance to engage and interact with area youth. Any chance we have to educate or assist students in our territory is valued. Since the 2024 school year began, we have had several opportunities to attend or hold events geared towards the youth of the area. Read on to see what all we have been up to this fall.
Area College & Career Days
This fall, we had the privilege to attend three area high schools' college and career days. (If we did not attend your school and you are in our service territory and would like for us to attend, please reach out to us!) We visited with many bright students at Edwards County, Cisne, and Fairfield Community High Schools. Some students even got a taste of what it is like to work in some of the lineman's bulky apparel, as pictured right. It was a delight to speak with so many students on a personal level at these career fairs!
Live Line Demonstrations
As always, we find it extremely important to educate children AND adults on the importance of electrical safety. Just this year, we have worked with other area cooperatives to rebuild our live line demonstration. The new and improved equipment has been a hit with students so far this fall! We have presented to a homeschool group, as well as the entire New Hope School, with more demonstrations scheduled in the coming months. If your school or group are interested in scheduling a Live Line demonstration, please contact us and we would be happy to set things up!
Pictured below is linemen Nathan Coston and Tyler Lashbrook showing students what could happen if you were to get into a live electrical line. Giving students and adults a visual representation of the dangers that electricity can present helps them remember the info presented.
Youth Day & Scholarships
The 2025 Youth Day and Annual Meeting Scholarship deadlines have been announced. Each year, Wayne-White Electric sponsors two students from each high school in our area to attend Youth Day in Springfield, Illinois. Students get the opportunity to see legislation in action and meet with State Senators and Representatives, as well as tour historical sites. From there, they have a chance to be selected as one of two students Wayne-White Electric will sponsor on a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the national Youth Tour each summer. Youth Day is scheduled for March 5, 2025, and information has been sent to each area guidance counselor to discuss with students.
Another yearly tradition we have had for the last few years is our Annual Meeting Scholarships. If high school seniors live on Wayne-White Electric lines, all they have to do is fill out a very short application to be entered into a random drawing of ten - $500 scholarships! Scholarship applications are due by April 11, 2025, and can be found on our website or at area high schools.
CEO Students Visit
Lastly, we had a chance to visit with students from the Wayne County and White County CEO programs. We discussed the cooperative business model, as well as tips and tricks on marketing their business. We are proud to support both CEO programs and their students!
For more information on our many youth programs, contact our office at (618) 842-2196.