On March 3, eleven high school juniors competed as finalists in the 49th annual DEMCO essay contest during a banquet hosted by DEMCO. Each student received a $500 scholarship in recognition of their achievement, and six students were awarded the grand prize trip to attend the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., later this summer.
Students from across DEMCO’s seven parish service area submitted essays for this year’s competition. Following an independent judging process, eleven finalists advanced to compete at the annual banquet, where they were joined by parents, teachers, school administrators, DEMCO employees, and board members.
As part of the competition, finalists were tested on their knowledge of rural electrification history and DEMCO facts. They each delivered an oral presentation of their written essay and were scored on clarity of speech, poise, eye contact, and overall confidence.
“Each year, we are encouraged by the thoughtful ideas shared by these students,” said Randy Pierce, chief executive officer and general manager of DEMCO. “It’s encouraging to see young people thinking deeply about their communities, and we are proud to provide opportunities like this to support their growth.”
Contest winners are Anna Bordelon, Brock Rispone, and Liliana Aguilera (Central High), Anya Riley and Lee McMillan (West Feliciana High), and Peyton Lewis (Zachary High).
Other finalists recognized for their outstanding participation are Brooke Green (Central High), Charisma Jones (Zachary High), Kendyl Carpenter (Live Oak High), and Aubrey Troullier and Lida Stallone (West Feliciana High).
The six winning students will serve as DEMCO student delegates at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. During the trip, students will join other high school students from electric co-ops across the country to learn about electric cooperatives, American history, and the U.S. government.
Participants visit the U.S. Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Supreme Court, National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, and other historically significant sites. Meeting with Louisiana House and Senate representatives is a highlight of the experience.
DEMCO pioneered Louisiana's participation in the Rural Electric Youth Tour in 1978, sending the first students from Louisiana to Washington, D.C. The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives coordinates and chaperones the annual Youth Tour trip for students sponsored by Louisiana electric cooperatives.
For more information about DEMCO’s youth programs, visit DEMCO.org/Community.
Photo: 2026 Essay Contest Finalists
Back Row (L-R): Kendyl Carpenter, Brooke Green, Brock Rispone, Lee McMillan, Anya Riley
Front Row (L-R): Aubrey Troullier, Peyton Lewis, Anna Bordelon, Liliana Aguilera, Charisma Jones, Lida Stallone
Photo: 2026 Essay Contest Winners
(L-R): Brock Rispone, Lilliana Aguilera, Anna Bordelon, Lee McMillan, Anya Riley, Peyton Lewis
