What can 900 words do? More than you think.

They can open doors to unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and even thousands of dollars in scholarships. They can take you from your hometown to the steps of the U.S. Capitol. All it takes is one short story and your imagination.

The Electric Cooperative Creative Writing Contest invites high school juniors to write a 900-word story showing how electric cooperatives are “Energizing Every Moment.” Co-ops power communities through reliable energy, broadband expansion, education, economic development and more. Your story should creatively capture that impact while entertaining and informing readers.

What makes a winning story?

Judges are looking for appropriate treatment of theme and knowledge of subject, originality, creativity, grammar and composition. To stand out:

• Develop interesting characters, a clear setting and time frame of the story.
• Include at least three specific examples of how co-ops connect their communities.
• Incorporate at least one of the seven cooperative principles.
• Make it memorable. Your words should spark curiosity and connection.

900 life-changing words

Andrew Runions remembers exploring the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., with two new friends in June 2017.

“It’s the day I remember best,” Runions, a Crockett County native, said. “We went and explored the museums and really built our friendships on the fly. The Washington Your Tour is great for building social skills.”

Runions graduated from Crockett County High School in 2018, headed for Middle Tennessee State University and a future career in medicine. In his first semester, he changed his major from biology to political science.

“The Washington Youth Tour had something to do with that,” Runions said. “Spending time at the Capitol, I grew a love for that environment. It inspired me to change my career path.”

After graduating from MTSU in 2021, Runions earned his law degree from Belmont University in 2025. Today, he’s clerking for Judge Timothy Easter in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in Nashville.

He encourages high school juniors to take the leap and write the story.

“It’s important as a citizen to understand and learn about our history,” he said. “The Washington Youth Tour is a great first step to get immersed in that environment and an amazing trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

Your story could be the first step toward an incredible journey. For details and inspiration, visit tnelectric.org or gibsoncoops.com. For entry details, call your local member service center or 731-855-4660 ext. 1615.