Local Students Represent Palmetto Electric at the 2026 Cooperative Youth Summit

Local high school students experienced South Carolina’s capital like never before at the 2026 Cooperative Youth Summit, an all-expenses-paid trip held July 13–16 in Columbia, S.C. Julie Kim of Cross Schools, Lily Gantt (selected by the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina), Grady Theiling of May River High School, and Errolyn Smith of Thomas Heyward Academy were selected to represent Palmetto Electric Cooperative during the four-day experience.

This year’s Cooperative Youth Summit brought together 42 students from across the state for a hands-on look at leadership, government, and the cooperative difference. Participants met with Governor Henry McMaster, toured the State House, visited South Carolina ETV, explored CEEUS, competed in a public speaking project called Orator’s Arena, helped pack bags for the WIRE Kids Closet, heard from several guest speakers, and enjoyed a visit to Escapology.

Congratulations to Lily, Julie, Grady, and Errolyn for representing Palmetto Electric at the Cooperative Youth Summit. Through team competitions, leadership-building activities, and educational experiences, these students gained a deeper understanding of how cooperatives power the communities they serve, far beyond delivering safe, reliable electricity. We are proud to have had these young leaders represent Palmetto Electric and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.