Students Represent Delaware Electric Cooperative at National Leadership Conference

GREENWOOD, Del. — Three local students represented Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) during the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held in Washington, D.C., June 15 – 19. Joining more than 2,100 students and chaperones from 44 states, Flynn Mucha and Madelyn Gallo of Lake Forest High School and Lauren Pieshala of Sussex Academy were DEC’s student delegates for the annual leadership conference.

The annual gathering gives local high school students served by DEC the opportunity to learn about history, government and the cooperative business model through educational activities, leadership development and visits to historic landmarks throughout the nation's capital. Hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the Electric Cooperative YouthTour has provided students across the country with an opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. since 1957.

During their time on Youth Tour, DEC’s student delegates toured many of the city's most well-known monuments and memorials, explored museums and met with U.S. Senator Chris Coons and members of his staff to learn more about the legislative process and discussed issues affecting Delawareans.

"Each year, Youth Tour gives students an opportunity to learn about cooperatives while building connections with students from across the country," said Lauren Irby, DEC Manager of Public Relations and Community Affairs and Youth Tour chaperone. 

Flynn Mucha was selected to represent Delaware on NRECA’s YouthLeadership Council (YLC). The council selects one student from each state to serve as an ambassador for electric cooperative youthprograms, represent his or her state at national cooperative events and further develop leadership skills throughout the coming year.

"We're proud to support programs like Youth Tour that encourage students to become engaged, informed leaders in their communities," said DEC President and CEO Rob Book. "Flynn's selection to represent Delaware on the Youth Leadership Council is an accomplishment, and we're excited to see him serve as an ambassador for both DEC and the First State."

DEC sponsors students each year through a competitive application process. High school sophomores and juniors who live in homes served by the Cooperative are encouraged to apply when applications for Youth Tour become available every winter. 

For more information about Delaware Electric Cooperative's YouthTour program, visit www.delaware.coop/youthtour

Photo Caption: DEC Youth Tour delegates at the Capitol during the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. (L-R) DEC chaperone Lauren Irby, Lauren Pieshala, Madelyn Gallo and Flynn Mucha.