Ten students representing Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative joined more than 100 of their East Texas peers June 8-12 for the 2026 East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS) at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. This marked an exciting week of collaboration and learning alongside students from different communities.
ETREYS, sponsored by East Texas electric cooperatives, is a week-long camp where high school students strengthen leadership skills, boost confidence, explore the cooperative business model, and forge lasting friendships.
Representing Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative this year were:
- Hunter Wilkerson, DeKalb High School
- Kylie Deel, McLeod High School
- Cameron Pinkham, Maud High School
- Blair Simmons, New Boston High School
- Julia Allen, Texas High School
- Harris Hawkins, Maud High School
- Peyton Granado, Texas Connections Academy
- Jailah Hawthorne, Hughes Springs High School
- Eli Elliott, Queen City High School
- Cassidy Brice-Khosravi, Chapel Hill High School
In addition, former ETREYS delegate Abigail Leverett of Queen City High School returned this year as Youth Director, guiding and mentoring delegates throughout the week. Abigail's leadership and dedication show ETREYS' lasting impact on participants long after camp.
Throughout the week, delegates participated in leadership workshops, team-building exercises, cooperative education sessions, and community service projects, all of which equipped them with skills for school, civic engagement, and future careers.
The week closed with scholarship awards honoring students who displayed outstanding leadership and engagement during camp. Hunter Wilkerson earned a $750 scholarship, and Kylie Deel received a $500 scholarship.
Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative is also proud to announce Hunter Wilkerson's new role as Youth Director for ETREYS 2027. Next summer, Hunter will return to help lead activities and mentor future delegates. He will continue the legacy of leadership that defines the ETREYS program.
"ETREYS continues to provide life-changing experiences for young people across East Texas," said Devin Skaggs, Director of Marketing and Member Communications for Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative. "We are incredibly proud of this year's delegates. They represented their schools, communities, and our cooperative very well. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made this year's camp a tremendous success."
Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative congratulates all of its 2026 ETREYS delegates. The cooperative looks forward to seeing their continued positive impact in schools and communities for years to come.
