Powering Forward

Teens learn about the electric grid, gain practical life sills and form friendships

Story and photos by Dianna Troyer

During a weeklong summer leadership camp, teens representing Raft River Rural Electric Co-op enjoyed a spontaneous meeting with one of Idaho’s top leaders.

While touring the Capitol, they met Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, who had come to his office to write a press release about the Idaho National Laboratory’s role in developing small modular nuclear reactors as a 24/7 reliable source of electricity.

When he learned the teens were attending a program about leadership and electrical production, he opened the Senate Chambers and gave an impromptu tour.

In July, the teens were among more than 90 participants from throughout the Northwest to attend the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association Youth Rally at Northwest Nazarene College.

Keeping in mind the camp’s theme of “Keep Powering Forward,” teens were inspired by motivational speakers, learned about electricity, co-ops and careers within the utility industry, watched a safety demonstration, performed in a talent show, spent a day at a water park, attended a formal banquet and dance, earned scholarships and made lifelong friendships.

Presenters also spoke about suicide prevention awareness and the fatal mistake of texting while driving. They shared practical tips about car maintenance and finances.

Award-winning wrestler Ben Kjar reminded them to “call your shot,” have the mindset of a champion and be a victor, not a victim, when setting lifelong goals.

Born with a rare genetic disorder affecting the growth of his skull bones, Ben endured numerous surgeries and taunting from his peers.

Eventually, he became a three-time state champion wrestler in high school, an All-American at Utah Valley University and an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic wrestling team.

Malan Erke, representing the Jae Foundation, spoke about suicide prevention. The nonprofit in Twin Falls is named for Jae Bing, who died by suicide in 2016. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 34.

To raise suicide prevention awareness, the foundation gives away boots as a reminder to check in on friends and family. During the event, Malan encouraged everyone to take five minutes for a “boot check” by reaching out to someone they care about.

Raft River teens recount what they learned at the rally.

Drew Herring says the Sauer family’s talk about not texting while driving hit home.

Shauna Sauer described the lingering impact of her daughter, Taylor, dying while texting and driving in 2012. Taylor was going home to Middleton from Utah State University, texting about the Super Bowl, when she rear-ended a slow-moving truck on Interstate 84 near Glenns Ferry.

Taking Ben’s advice “to call your shot,” Drew plans to become a welder or fish and game officer after high school. He believes nuclear power will be a good source of electricity and provide jobs.

“I have my dad’s welding jacket from when he worked on a nuclear reactor in Colorado,” Drew says.

Luke Gardiner says the lieutenant governor’s comments reminded him of the diverse sources of electrical production they had learned about earlier in the week.

“Nuclear energy is a worthwhile investment, considering one nuclear power plant can produce the same amount of electricity as five coal-fired power plants,” he says.

Encouraged by Ben’s advice, Luke plans to take a shot at winning first place at a statewide singing competition.

For the talent show, he sang “Feldeinsamkeit,” a German poem set to music about stillness in nature.

Although he loves music, Luke plans to pursue a career in genetic engineering.

“It’s amazing what’s being developed, like the firefly petunia that glows in the dark,” he says. “I remember being fascinated in my parents’ greenhouse when I was young and how my grandfather developed certain colors of geraniums.”

Returning director Trevor Bankhead presented on car maintenance.

“When you pop the hood, the engine looks complicated,” he says. “But once you understand how it works, it’s easy to do basic maintenance, which everyone can benefit from. There are a lot of mechanics in my family, so working on vehicles is a skillset I’ve been around all my life.”

Although he enjoys being a mechanic, Trevor plans to study wildlife management and become a government trapper.

Porter Campbell intends to take Ben’s advice and call his shot.

“My goal is to qualify for state finals in cross country and lower my time from 20 minutes,” he says. “I want to serve my country, too, so after high school, I want to enlist in the Army.”

After completing his tour, he plans to become a family practice attorney.

Preston Ward says learning about financial tools, such as a 401(k) and Roth IRA, and hearing tips on applying for a loan was valuable.

“After high school, I’d eventually like to work in construction and use my income from that to have a good credit score and start saving for the future,” he says. “I’m a ranch hand for two farms, and, while the work is good, I realize I’d prefer a career outside of agriculture.”

Tyler Harper says being at the rally teaches young people how to introduce themselves and get to know other people.

“Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to,” he says. “One of the speakers reminded us that serving others is a way to feel joy.”

A pianist, Tyler performed a song by Imagine Dragons for the talent show.

Sadee Gilbert says hearing the Sauer family’s story was emotional.

“We don’t always realize how much of an impact we have on each other and how we’re connected,” she says.

Sadee’s twin sister, Hannah Gilbert, says she called her sister for the boot check.

“She’s doing a church mission on Bainbridge Island, so it was good to connect with her,” she says.

They also said the car maintenance presentation is a timely life skill that reinforces what their dad teaches them.

“He’s made sure we know how to change oil and tires on a vehicle,” Hannah says.

Kianah Aguilar says a highlight of the weeklong rally was the message of being kind to others.

“You have no idea what they might be going through at home,” she says.

Following Ben’s advice, she decided to take her shot and run for student body president of Jackpot Combined School. She was elected.

“It was hard to put myself out there and run, but I’m glad I did,” she says. “I always want to strive to do my best.”

After high school, she plans to enlist in the Idaho National Guard or Air Force with the goal of working as a pharmacist.

Nicholas Weber, who works part time as a lifeguard at Jackpot’s swimming pool, says the rally reinforced reminders to have good communication skills and self-confidence.

“Hearing how kids teased Ben reminded me of kids nicknaming me Saint Nicholas,” he says. “I brushed it off and told myself they were calling me a saint, something greater than myself.”

After high school, he plans to major in business management and own a franchise.

Bryson Bankhead says his goal is to win the state javelin championship.

“It’s a new sport for Idaho,” he says. “I’m throwing about 122 feet now and hope to reach 150 feet to win state.”

After hearing Ben’s advice, Zeb Hall says he will take a shot at improving his cross country running time to become a state championship contender.

“I’m running 20.09 minutes now for 3.1 miles and want to get it down to 19 minutes,” he says. “It’s important to always have a goal.”

Dillon Elliott says the youth rally has helped him be comfortable meeting new people.

“I’m an introvert, so being here was a challenge, but it’s been great,” he says. “I’m glad I came.”

He hopes to become a math teacher—his favorite subject—and enjoys tutoring other students.

Throughout the week, observers scored students for participation, communication, personal growth and leadership. At the end of the week, students were awarded outstanding achievement awards and scholarships totaling more than $17,300.

Nicholas received the top score and won the Idaho D.C. Youth Tour.