MVEA Announces 2026 Youth Leadership Trip Winners

Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA)  is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Youth Leadership Trip Contest. This year, 16 applications were received from 12 high schools across MVEA’s service territory. The co-op’s Education Committee, made up of members of the Board of Directors, evaluated the top six finalists based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community service, and thoughtful responses to short-answer essay questions.

Two students tied for first place and will represent MVEA at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this June. Third- and fourth-place winners will attend Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) in Clark, CO, this July.

First Place, Tie (Youth Tour Winner)

Nathan Alger, Lewis Palmer High School

Nathan Alger, a junior at Lewis-Palmer High School, is a standout student-athlete and community volunteer who maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing varsity athletics and service. A National Honor Society member, soccer team captain, and two-time Special Teams MVP, Nathan also dedicates extensive time to community projects – including helping renovate a home for youth aging out of foster care and volunteering locally through church service initiatives and Wreaths Across America. Nathan plans to study aerospace engineering and hopes to one day work for NASA or Boeing.

“A true leader inspires others and works for the betterment of the group,” Alger wrote. “It is important to elevate others in order to benefit the entire team.”

First Place, Tie (Youth Tour Winner)

Yasmin Amandu, Rampart High School

Rampart High School junior Yasmin Amandu brings an exceptional record of academic excellence, leadership, and service. She is a national FBLA champion, Vice President of Records for her school chapter, and Vice President of Recognition for FBLA District 6. Yasmin is also a varsity swimmer and state qualifier, Speech & Debate social media officer, National Honor Society member, and active volunteer with the Pikes Peak Library District and Children’s Hospital programs. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to become a surgeon.

“Education is not only a personal journey but also a tool to uplift others and make an impact,” Amandu shared.

Third Place (CYLC Winner)

Tager Vitt, Haven School

Sophomore Tager Vitt of Haven School demonstrates strong leadership through service, faith, and outdoor involvement. He serves as a Trail Life Troop Quartermaster, helps parish altar servers, participates in cross country and track, and volunteers in nursing home outreach. Tager also enjoys outdoor pursuits including fishing, backpacking, skiing, and rock climbing.

After high school, he plans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his country and pursue personal growth through discipline and teamwork.

“Great leaders have vision and trust others to do their jobs,” Vitt wrote. “I’m excited to learn, work hard, and meet people through this opportunity.”

Fourth Place (CYLC Winner)

Wesley Rains, Liberty Tree Academy

Wesley Rains, a junior at Liberty Tree Academy, excels in both academics and athletics. He is a National Honor Society member enrolled in AP Calculus and dual-enrollment college coursework and has completed hands-on engineering projects including building a working model engine. Wesley is also a varsity basketball player, former JV captain, and high school baseball athlete who volunteers through youth sports. He plans to study aerospace engineering and eventually start his own aviation business.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools people have to improve their future,” Rains wrote. “I want to take what I learn and use it to help my community.”

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MVEA’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest provides students with opportunities to learn about leadership, government, and the cooperative business model while building connections with peers from across the state and nation.

Thank you to all students who submitted applications for MVEA’s Youth Leadership Trip Contest. For more information on MVEA’s Youth Programs, visit our Youth Programs page.