Greenwell Springs, Louisiana — On Tuesday, March 12, at a banquet hosted by DEMCO, twelve eleventh-grade students competed as finalists in the 47th annual DEMCO essay contest. Six students were announced as winners of the grand prize trip to attend the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., later this summer.
As part of the competition, finalists were tested on their knowledge of the history of rural electrification and DEMCO facts, followed by an oral presentation of their written essay. Students are scored on clarity of speech, poise, eye contact, and overall confidence.
"Every year, we're inspired by the diverse ideas and viewpoints shared by our young essayists," notes Randy Pierce, DEMCO chief executive officer. "They are our future leaders, full of bright ideas."
Finalists are:
Emily Doerr, Zachary High School, Remy Boudreaux, Central High School, Isabella Winter, Winter Classical Homeschool, Abrielle Steele, Live Oak High School, Nicholas Wadsack, West Feliciana High School, Maddy Snyder, Zachary High School, Halle Harrell, Denham Springs High School; Parker Allen, Central High School; Sydnie Lott, Denham Springs High School; Kristen Cook, West Feliciana High School; Delasya Guinn, Central High School, and Jasmyn Brignac, Doyle High School.
Winners are:
Remy Boudreaux, Central High School; Isabella Winter, Winter Classical Homeschool; Nicholas Wadsack, West Feliciana High School; Delasya Guinn, Central High School; Maddy Snyder, Zachary High School; and Halle Harrell, Denham Springs High School.
Perry Franklin, president of Franklin Associates, delivered the keynote address emphasizing the importance of personal branding. He challenged students to intentionally cultivate their reputation and image, both online and offline, to consider how they present themselves to the world, and to establish a positive identity that supports their future goals and aspirations.
DEMCO pioneered Louisiana's participation in the Rural Electric Youth Tour in 1978 when it sent the first students from Louisiana to Washington, D.C. The Youth Tour program aims to provide outstanding youth with an insight into how their national government operates.
Photo:
2024 DEMCO essay contest finalists
L to R back: Remy Boudreaux, Central High School; Isabella Winter, Winter Classical Homeschool; Abrielle Steele, Live Oak High School; Nicholas Wadsack, West Feliciana High School; Maddy Snyder, Zachary High School; Halle Harrell, Denham Springs High School.
L to R front: Emily Doerr, Zachary High School; Parker Allen, Central High School; Sydnie Lott, Denham Springs High School; Kristen Cook, West Feliciana High School; Delasya Guinn, Central High School; Jasmyn Brignac, Doyle High School.
2024 DEMCO essay contest winners
L to R: Remy Boudreaux, Central High School; Isabella Winter, Winter Classical Homeschool; Nicholas Wadsack, West Feliciana High School; Delasya Guinn, Central High School; Maddy Snyder, Zachary High School; Halle Harrell, Denham Springs High School.