Participants in DEMCO’s Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program (YCAP), a leadership and educational program for ninth- and tenth-grade students, were honored during a banquet on April 29.
Family members joined DEMCO leadership to celebrate the ambassadors' achievements following five months of leadership development, cooperative education, and community service.
During the event, DEMCO presented special awards to ambassadors who demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, initiative, and commitment to cooperative values throughout the program.
Dedric Wallace of Glen Oaks Magnet High School received the Ambassador Impact Award, which recognizes the ambassador who best represented the cooperative’s core values of leadership, engagement, positivity, and connection with others.
Benjamin Klein Jr. of West Feliciana High School received the Cooperative Spirit Award for exemplifying teamwork, collaboration, and enthusiasm.
Kylee Juarez of Central Private received the Emerging Leader Award in recognition of significant growth and leadership development throughout the program.
Rishawn Sanders of Liberty Magnet High School received the Community Service Award for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to serving others.
“We are proud of the growth these ambassadors demonstrated throughout the program and the way they represented the cooperative through their leadership, service, and commitment to helping others,” said Rhowanda Vessel, community relations coordinator.
As part of the program, YCAP students prepared 200 care packages for residents and later personally delivered them during a visit to Central Guest House Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on March 28. Ambassadors also spent time playing bingo, enjoying refreshments, and visiting with the senior citizens.
“Projects like this help young people understand the impact cooperatives can have in the communities they serve," said Chanon Martin, manager of member and community engagement. "Concern for Community is one of the seven co-op principles explored throughout the program, and this service project gave ambassadors the opportunity to put that principle into action.”
The Class of 2026 Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program participants included Jada Brown of Baker High School; Kylee Juarez of Central Private; Dedric Wallace of Glen Oaks Magnet High School; Rishawn Sanders of Liberty Magnet High School; Braylon Washington and Cirrus Guerrero of Walker High School; and Benjamin Klein Jr. and Leah Hugg of West Feliciana High School.
Applications for DEMCO’s Class of 2027 Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program open September 1. The program is open to ninth- and tenth-grade students attending school within DEMCO’s seven-parish service area. Participants have opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn about cooperatives, explore career pathways, and collaborate with peers while learning from community and industry leaders. For more information and application details, visit DEMCO.org/YCAP.
