The 2025 East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS) took place from June 9-13, bringing together nearly 100 students from across East Texas. Sponsored by 10 East Texas electric cooperatives, including Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative (BCEC), this year’s program provided students with valuable experiences that combined education and hands-on activities. This year’s delegates were: Abigail Leverett, Daniella Griekspoor, Trista Madrid, Xander Woolfolk, Skyler Davis, Kynlee Fant, & Ja’Maiya Mack.
Key Highlights:
- Leadership & Electric Safety Sessions: Students participated in workshops on leadership skills and electrical safety.
- Team Building: Engaging team-building exercises and fun activities such as volleyball, small group games, and a host of other activities.
- Community Service Project: Delegates worked together to build and donate a bicycle to a local organization, making a tangible impact on the local community.
- Scholarships & Awards: Two students, Abigail Leverett and Skyler Davis, were awarded scholarships to continue their academic journeys, with Abigail receiving $750 and Skyler earning $500. We’re proud to announce that the Bowie-Cass group took home the Top Cooperative Skit trophy and our very own Trista Madrid was selected as the individual Top Talent!
Leadership Opportunities: Three students were awarded with unique leadership opportunities for 2026. Abigail Leverett will be returning to ETREYS next year as a Youth Director for the cooperative. Kynlee Fant and Ja’Maiya Mack both won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. as a part of Texas’ Government in Action- Youth Tour.