Sadie Ostrowski, a student at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, said she originally decided to attend this year’s Youth Leadership (YLC) Conference at UW-Stout in July because it would be a great opportunity help prepare her for college and help her obtain scholarships for college.

“I thought that would be a good step forward,” Ostrowski said.

But at the conclusion of YLC, Ostrowski realized she had gotten more out of YLC than just helping to prepare her for college. She said in addition to having a lot of fun at YLC, she also learned a lot. This came from the many speakers who spoke at YLC, including two linemen from Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, who spoke about their time working on the Light Up Navajo Project on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, to bring electricity to residents who don’t have it.

“It was just a really great experience,” Ostrowski said.

She added, “My favorite part was the team bonding activities that we did because it really helped me get to know a lot of people. I learned why they were here and a little bit about them. It was really helpful.”

Ostrowski said she also learned what cooperatives are and why they are important.

“I learned that we have co-ops for a reason and that we are able to do so much within them,” she said.

While at YLC, Ostrowski ran for Youth Board, which included doing a campaign speech in front of all the YLC attendees. After all those running for Youth Board gave their speeches, the YLC attendees voted for who they wanted to be on Youth Board. Those elected to Youth Board help plan and run next year’s YLC event, among other duties.

“I decided to run for Youth Board because I was having such a great time,” Ostrowski said. “I wanted to make a great time for a ton of other people there. I figured the best way to do that was running for Youth Board.”

She said speaking in front of the group didn’t bother her.

“I was just making sure I hit all the points I wanted to hit, and making sure it was effective and short enough that everyone learned something,” Ostrowski said.

Unfortunately, Ostrowski wasn’t elected to Youth Board. Despite that, she said there are plenty of other opportunities that she can take advantage of through YLC, adding she plans to attend next year and run again for Youth Board.

Ostrowski also recommended that high school students should attend YLC.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to learn what a cooperative is, to make a ton of friends, to have a well-rounded background, and to have good opportunities for scholarships,” she said. “And I think it’s just a great program.”