Idaho Falls: Ten Local Students Earn Scholarships and Leadership Honors at ICUA Youth Rally
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~ Idaho Falls Power proudly sponsored 10 local high school students to attend the 2026 Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association (ICUA) Youth Rally, where they joined 90 students from Idaho, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for a week of leadership development, teamwork and personal growth. The annual leadership conference was held at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.

The students were selected by Idaho Falls Power based on their academic achievements, community involvement, and potential for leadership. Each student received a $500 scholarship from Idaho Falls Power for representing the utility and the community at the conference.

"The Youth Rally is an incredible experience," said Christopher Jensen, Community Relations Coordinator for Idaho Falls Power. "Watching these students grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and represent Idaho Falls with such character and enthusiasm throughout the week is incredibly rewarding. They are exceptional young people, and we're excited to see the positive impact they'll make in our community and wherever life takes them."

During the week-long conference, students participated in various activities including leadership workshops, team-building exercises, government and energy education sessions, an obstacle course, a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, recreational activities and community-building events. These activities were designed to strengthen their confidence, communication skills and leadership abilities.

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The delegation from Idaho Falls once again distinguished itself by earning numerous scholarships and honors throughout the week. Anilyn Croft, a recent graduate from Idaho Falls High School who served as Idaho Falls Power's Returning Director for this year's conference was awarded one of only two $800 ICUA Returning Director Scholarships. She also received the $500 Bobbi Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship which is presented annually by Idaho Falls Power to its Returning Director.

Croft shared her experience saying "The Youth Rally gave me two years of real leadership experience I didn't get in a classroom: public speaking in front of the whole camp, handling conflict and high-pressure situations, and learning how to delegate and trust the people around me instead of doing it myself. I'm walking away much more confident and a better leader because of it."

Emma Neider, a senior from Idaho Falls High School, was selected by her peers to serve as Idaho Falls Power's Returning Director for the 2027 ICUA Youth Rally. She also earned a $600 ICUA scholarship and was voted Miss Congeniality, an honor selected by fellow students.

Hiro Quan, a junior from Idaho Falls High School, was voted Mr. Congeniality and received a $600 ICUA scholarship. Jensen expressed his pride in the students saying "Having both the Mr. and Miss Congeniality awards presented to Idaho Falls students highlights the character, leadership and positive attitudes they demonstrated throughout the week and says a lot about the amazing young people in our community."

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Other scholarship and award recipients from Idaho Falls included Lucy Okeson, a junior from Idaho Falls High School who earned a $600 ICUA scholarship; Cheyanne Clark, a junior from Bonneville High School who received a $500 ICUA scholarship; and Bella Jensen, a senior from Skyline High School who was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

The 10 students selected by Idaho Falls Power to attend the 2026 ICUA Youth Rally were Anilyn Croft (Returning Director), Emma Neider, Hiro Quan, Lucy Okeson, Cheyanne Clark, Bella Jensen, Josiah Gerling (Watersprings), Adan Acosta (Skyline High School), Grace Katseanes (Idaho Falls High School), and Anna Cochran (Watersprings).

Idaho Falls Power has been participating in the ICUA Youth Rally for decades as part of its commitment to develop future leaders. The annual scholarship program is open to eligible high school sophomores and juniors whose parent or legal guardian is an Idaho Falls Power customer.

Applications for the 2027 ICUA Youth Rally will open next year. For more information, interested students can visit www.ifpower.org or call Idaho Falls Power at 208-612-8430.

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