Sedan High School senior Brailee Blakemore represented Caney Valley Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., at the 49th Annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC), held July 10–16 in Colorado.

The weeklong camp brought together approximately 80 high school student leaders from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The students were sponsored by 46 electric and agricultural cooperatives and came together for a week focused on leadership, teamwork, personal growth, and learning about the cooperative industry.

Blakemore was selected by Caney Valley Electric to attend the camp based on her leadership abilities, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and strong character demonstrated through the application process.

Throughout the week, students gained hands-on experience with cooperative business operations by forming and managing a mock candy cooperative. They elected a board of directors, appointed a general manager, created committees, and held daily membership meetings, giving them an opportunity to experience firsthand how member-owned cooperatives operate.

The students also participated in educational sessions focused on leadership development, conflict resolution, and career opportunities within the cooperative industry. Other highlights included electric safety demonstrations by cooperative linemen, a live raptor and avian presentation from HawkQuest, and a tour of the Craig Power Station.

Beyond the educational opportunities, CYLC provided students with opportunities to build friendships and experience the Colorado outdoors. Students explored downtown Steamboat Springs, participated in a rafting trip on the Colorado River, and enjoyed recreational activities including a volleyball tournament, swimming, a talent show, and a dance.

For Blakemore, the experience provided an opportunity to connect with other student leaders from across the region and develop skills that she can carry with her beyond high school. “I've made so many connections, and I am so grateful for this experience,” Blakemore said.

Blakemore's participation in CYLC is an example of the opportunities available to Sedan High School students through partnerships with local organizations and community businesses.

“Brailee is an outstanding student who represents Sedan High School so well. I was very proud to see her selected for this opportunity. CYLC gave her the chance to meet other student leaders and experience something outside of her comfort zone. We are grateful to Caney Valley Electric for investing in our students and providing opportunities like this for them to grow as leaders,” Giles said.