Lincoln’s Jeffery Martin Named Youth Leadership Council Finalist
By Jackie Edmondson, Manager of Marketing and Member Services
Out of an entire state of high-achieving students, only three names remain.
1 of them is Jeffery Martin.
The 16-year-old junior from Lincoln High School has been named a finalist for the Youth Leadership Council, 1 of the highest honors among delegates participating in the Alabama Youth Tour and the National Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Jeffery represents Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative and joins Holden Brabner, representing Southern Pines Electric Cooperative, and Heidy Moreno Quezada, representing Dixie Electric Cooperative, as YLC finalists. Jeffery is the first student representing CVEC to be named a finalist.
When Youth Tour delegates go to Washington, D.C., this month, students from across Alabama will cast their votes to select just 1 peer to represent the state on the national stage. From the three finalists, only 1 will earn that distinction.
For Jeffery, being recognized as a finalist is still sinking in.
“I was honestly in shock,” he said. “When I read the message, I dropped my phone and ran downstairs to tell my parents.”
Those who have worked closely with Jeffery say his selection reflects exactly who he is.
“It was evident very quickly that there was something special about Jeffery,” said Kylie Entrekin, CVEC’s marketing and digital media specialist. “He stood out from his competitors at our local 2026 Youth Tour competition day in January and again at Montgomery Youth Tour in March, among students from all over the state. Jeffery is the perfect candidate for the Youth Leadership Council because he is so smart, kind, and wise beyond his years. I have no doubt he is going to make his dreams come true and help anyone and everyone reach theirs along the way."
A dedicated member of the National FFA Organization, Jeffery discovered his passion for agriculture early. What began with encouragement from a teacher to join a quiz bowl team quickly grew into a lasting commitment to the organization and the opportunities it provides.
That experience helped shape his future goals. Jeffery plans to attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in agricultural engineering, with hopes of working for a major agricultural company and eventually building something of his own.
His passion extends beyond the classroom. At home, Jeffery maintains a garden made up of five raised beds, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, broccoli, kale, watermelons, and more. What began as a way to help offset rising grocery costs has become a reflection of his discipline and patience.
“I’ve learned that good things take time,” he said. That mindset carries into every aspect of his life.
Jeffery defines leadership as more than being in charge. To him, it means listening, collaborating, and supporting others. As a freshman, he demonstrated that mindset by stepping up to help organize and motivate his FFA aquaculture team, creating study materials and encouraging his teammates to prepare for competition.
He has also grown personally along the way. Once shy and hesitant to speak, Jeffery has developed the confidence to communicate with others and address groups with ease.
Outside of school, he enjoys 3D printing and fishing, especially catfishing, where he finds peace in being outdoors.
Through the Youth Tour, Jeffery has gained a deeper understanding of the role electric cooperatives play in communities like his own.
“Before this tour, I didn’t know anything about cooperatives,” he said. “Now I see how important they are for smaller areas like mine."
That perspective aligns with his desire to give back. He hopes to represent his hometown well and 1 day make an impact that brings positive attention to the city of Lincoln.
Being named a finalist is something he views as part of a larger journey.
“It shows me how good God is,” he said. “When I thought I had no purpose, He helped me make it to opportunities like this.”
As Jeffery prepares to travel to Washington, D.C. this summer, 1 thing is clear: this is only the beginning of what he is capable of. “Whether or not he is ultimately selected by his peers, Jeffery Martin already represents the kind of leadership, character, and determination that the Youth Tour program was designed to inspire,” Entrekin said.