A group of high school students from across Bonneville County recently returned from a week-long leadership development program in Nampa, where they competed for honors and secured scholarship funding totaling thousands of dollars.
Idaho Falls Power sponsored ten local teenagers to attend the 2026 ICUA Youth Rally at Northwest Nazarene University, where roughly 90 students from Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska gathered for workshops, team-building exercises, and civic education. Each of the Idaho Falls Power-sponsored participants earned a $500 scholarship, with several receiving additional recognition and awards during the event.
Top Honors and Scholarship Recipients
The delegation included students from Idaho Falls High School, Bonneville High School, Skyline High School, and Watersprings, all from families who are Idaho Falls Power customers. Several earned distinction for their performance and participation.
Anilyn Croft, who completed a year of service as Idaho Falls Power’s Returning Director—a leadership position within the youth program structure—took home two significant honors: an $800 ICUA Returning Director Scholarship, one of only two awarded at the rally, and a $500 Bobbi Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship. Reflecting on her experience, Croft noted that the program offered practical skills often absent from traditional classroom settings. “The Youth Rally gave me two years of real leadership experience I didn’t get in a classroom: public speaking, handling conflict and high-pressure situations, and learning how to delegate and trust the people around me,” she said.
Emma Neider was selected as Idaho Falls Power’s Returning Director for the 2027 rally, earning a $600 ICUA scholarship and the Miss Congeniality award. Hiro Quan received the Mr. Congeniality honor along with a $600 scholarship. Lucy Okeson also earned a $600 scholarship, while Cheyanne Clark received $500. Bella Jensen was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award.
Rally Structure and Activities
The week-long event combined professional development and civic engagement. Students participated in leadership workshops designed to build communication and decision-making skills, team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships, and sessions focused on government operations and energy education—topics particularly relevant given Idaho Falls Power’s role in the region.
The program also included hands-on challenges like an obstacle course and a visit to the Idaho State Capitol, exposing students to state government in action. Recreational and community-building events rounded out the experience, providing opportunities for participants from different states to build networks and friendships.
Christopher Jensen, a representative involved with the program, described the impact of the rally on participating youth. “The Youth Rally is an incredible experience. Watching these students grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and represent Idaho Falls with such character and enthusiasm throughout the week is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Long-Standing Partnership and Future Opportunities
Idaho Falls Power’s participation in the ICUA Youth Rally spans decades, reflecting the utility’s commitment to developing young leaders in the community. The program targets high school sophomores and juniors whose parents or guardians are Idaho Falls Power customers, making it accessible to a broad segment of area families.
Applications for the 2027 rally will open next year, offering another cohort of local teenagers the chance to participate. The combination of scholarship funding, leadership training, and peer networking continues to draw interest from eligible students across the region.
The rally experience often serves as a formative moment for participants. Croft’s reflection underscores how intensive, immersive programs can teach competencies that extend well beyond academics—skills in managing interpersonal dynamics, speaking persuasively, and leading teams under pressure.
What Comes Next
Idaho Falls Power will begin accepting applications for its 2027 ICUA Youth Rally delegation sometime in the coming year. High school sophomores and juniors from Bonneville County whose parent or guardian holds an Idaho Falls Power account are encouraged to watch for announcements and apply when the window opens. For current information on eligibility and application procedures, interested families should contact Idaho Falls Power directly or monitor the utility’s official communications channels.