6 Students Win Scholarships at Electric Co-op Youth Rally

When six students from Orcas Power & Light Cooperative headed to Idaho in July for a leadership camp, they came back with more than new skills. They returned with thousands of dollars in additional scholarship money and recognition that made their community proud.

The students attended the 2026 Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association Youth Rally through the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship Program. Each participant already received $1,000 toward continuing education plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the weeklong camp.

But their time at the rally earned them even more. Students from electric cooperatives across seven western states competed in leadership activities, team-building challenges, and communication exercises throughout the week.

Every first-year OPALCO student won additional scholarships based on their performance. Maren Ellingson received $600, while Atziry Orozco and Chloe Roach each earned $500, and Matthew Vasquez and Theo Johnston each brought home $400.

The week included more than just competitions. Participants took classes on the electric cooperative industry, toured the Idaho State Capitol, and bonded with peers from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming during a campwide talent show.

The Ripple Effect

The program's impact extends beyond individual students. Gabe Chapman returned this year as a student director after attending as a first-year participant in 2025, helping plan the camp and mentor the newest OPALCO delegates.

Now Chapman is passing the torch to Ellingson, who was voted by her peers to serve as a student director for the 2027 rally. She'll help shape next year's program and guide the next group of students through their leadership journey.

The Nourdine Jensen program gives San Juan County students opportunities to develop skills while earning money for their education. It also keeps the cooperative spirit alive in the community, showing young people the value of working together and lifting each other up.

These six students proved that small communities can raise big leaders.