Franklin County High School students Trey Baker and Maddox Garcia had the opportunity to attend the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville, March 16-18. The students were proudly sponsored by Duck River Electric.

Throughout the event, the 46 delegates participated in leadership development activities and learned more about what an electric co-op is and does for a community. Students visited the YMCA on Tuesday for team building and scavenger hunt exercises, and they also learned how to effectively meet and greet state representatives. Those skills were later put into action at the Tennessee State Capitol, where Trey and Maddox were able to meet elected officials, Reps. Iris Rudder and Pat Marsh, and participate in a mock session in the Senate chamber to learn about the legislative process.

Delegates also had the opportunity to partake in some Nashville classics, including the Goo Goo Cluster Store, where they created their own special flavor of the candy, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

“Electric cooperatives are all about serving people, and the Youth Leadership Summit really shows that commitment,” said Connie Potts, DREMC communications specialist. “When we sponsor students, we’re investing in their education and in the future of our communities. It’s always inspiring to see students leave with a deeper understanding of what electric cooperatives do and why it matters.”

From left, Baker and Garcia experience a day on Capitol Hill as one of the highlights of the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit.