Winners selected for 2026 NCE Youth Tour Contest

Nobles Cooperative Electric announces the recipients of its 2026 Youth Tour contest, recognizing outstanding local students for their leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to their communities.

Each year, electric cooperatives across the country sponsor high school students to participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour—a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Students have the opportunity to learn about the cooperative model, explore our nation’s capital, meet elected officials, and connect with peers from across the United States.

Nobles Cooperative Electric received several strong applications this year. After carefully reviewing written applications and essays, a selection committee invited five finalists to participate in interviews before making final decisions.

The 2026 recipients are:

Youth Tour Winner: Jael Lopez Garcia of Edgerton Public School, the daughter of Luis and Vanessa Garcia

$500 Scholarship Recipient: Mikayla Reith of Murray County Central, the daughter of Mike Reith and Danielle Sonstegard

$150 Award Recipient: Nevaeh Echternach of Fulda High School, the daughter of Scott and Kimberly Echternach

For more information about youth programs and opportunities, visit www.nobles.coop/youth-tour.

From left to right: Reith, Echternach, and Lopez Garcia, along with finalists Gretchen Lefdal and Keyona Klingenberg.