East Bladen High School student Alex Johnson was selected to attend the Youth Scholar Program of the National Institute of Cooperative Education program hosted by Star Telephone and the University of North Carolina at Asheville this summer. Johnson was selected to attend the program based on his academic successes and leadership abilities.

The program provides opportunities for rising high school seniors of varying backgrounds and interests to come together and learn the characteristics of the American competitive business system with special emphasis on local cooperatives. The NICE program is made up of representatives from 25 states who learn about the uniqueness of and the impact of cooperatives in our everyday lives.

The program objectives are to increase the understanding of basic cooperative principles and how cooperatives are structured and operated; provide opportunities for leadership development; and have fun through recreation, motivation, team building and fellowship.

While most of the time was spent in educational sessions, the students also experienced some of the attractions of Asheville such as touring the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in America.

Students from Union and Midway High Schools were also part of the attendees.

Jeff Shipp, Community Relations Manager for Star Telephone, was also part of the program serving as a chaperone.

Shipp commented, “Alex, Amanda, and NaKosha all represented their communities, their schools and Star Telephone very well. It was a pleasure getting to know them. We wish them the best in their future endeavors and we hope they will keep us updated of their future accomplishments.”