Peightin Zumwalt made history for Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) this summer, becoming the first-ever Youth Tour delegate to be selected to serve on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
Peightin recently returned from the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where she joined hundreds of delegates in exploring the nation’s capital, learning about American history and government, and engaging with cooperative leaders from across the country.
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for high school students. Each year, electric cooperatives across the country sponsor outstanding students to travel to Washington, D.C., where they gain firsthand insight into the democratic process, public service, and the cooperative business model.
Following the tour, one delegate from each state is selected to serve on the Youth Leadership Council, a yearlong leadership and advocacy program administered by NRECA. Peightin was chosen to represent Oregon among a select group of just 45 student leaders nationwide.
“Peightin’s selection to the Youth Leadership Council is an outstanding achievement and a first for UEC,” said Amy Baker, UEC’s public relations representative. “We congratulate her on this well-earned honor and look forward to seeing the impact she makes as she represents Oregon and UEC at the national level.”
Throughout the yearlong program, YLC delegates participate in leadership workshops and educational experiences designed to strengthen their understanding of the cooperative business model, grassroots advocacy, and public service. Delegates also develop public speaking and communication skills, build relationships with peers from across the country, and gain valuable experience representing their communities and cooperatives on a national stage.
UEC congratulates Peightin on this remarkable accomplishment and looks forward to following her journey as she represents Oregon and Umatilla Electric Cooperative on the National Youth Leadership Council.