2026 Y.E.S. Fair
The 42nd annual Youth Engineering and Science (YES) Fair will return this spring, bringing together young innovators from across Cochise County and Santa Cruz County for a week
celebrating creativity, curiosity, and hands-on discovery.
Sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) Foundation, the 2026 Fair will once again award $30,000 to $50,000 in prizes and scholarships to outstanding student scientists and the teachers who guide them.
Students in grades five through twelve will showcase their projects at a new location in Sierra Vista — 4251 Enterprise Way, February 23 to February 27, 2026. Exhibits will be placed early in the week, with judges interviewing students midweek about their research, projects, and scientific interests.
The Fair will then open to the public on Thursday, offering families and community members an opportunity to see the work of the region’s young STEM leaders.
This year’s competitors will vie for grand prizes that include all expense-paid trips to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), scheduled for May 2026 in Phoenix.
Category awards, division honors, and significant scholarship opportunities will also be presented at Friday evening’s awards ceremony.
SSVEC representatives, community judges, and educators from throughout the region will participate in this year’s fair, continuing a long tradition of volunteer support. The SSVEC Foundation funds the event through unclaimed member equity and community donations, with additional contributions from local and national organizations that help encourage future scientists and engineers.
The YES Fair consistently draws entries from more than a dozen schools across the cooperative’s service territory, and organizers expect another strong field in 2026. Students will compete in earth and space, plants and animals, human biology and health, technology and engineering, chemistry, and energy, with awards presented in each division.
The 2026 YES Fair promises another inspiring showcase of student talent, demonstrating how innovation continues to thrive in Southeast Arizona’s classrooms—and how community support helps young people turn their ideas into achievement.
For more information about YES Fair, visit www.yesfair.com or contact yesfair@ssvec.com.
25 YEARS IN AMERICA'S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE PAC
Kathy Thatcher was honored at the October 15 meeting of the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) directors meeting. Jason Bowling, Chief Executive Officer at SSVEC, presented Ms. Thatcher with a plaque recognizing her 25 years of membership in the America's Electric Cooperatives political action committee. Founded in 1966, America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC (formerly ACRE®) is the federal political action committee of the nation’s more than 900 electric co-ops. NRECA’s PAC supports political candidates who will speak for and protect the interests of electric co-ops and their consumer-owners.
Boosted by a first-time, $150,000 "jumbo" grant from the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) Foundation, CANTER — the renowned program that promotes education and independence for those with disabilities — is planning construction of an indoor arena at its property off Moson Road in Sierra Vista.
The Foundation grant to CANTER was one of 13 awards to education entities throughout the SSVEC service territory, totaling more than $450,000. More than 80 applications were received for Phase 2 of the grant program, bringing the combined total of awards issued by the Foundation to just under $1 million in 2025.
"Foundation funds are generated primarily from unclaimed member equity payments and community donations," said Randy Redmond, President of the SSVEC Board of Directors. "Consistent with the principles of our Cooperative, these funds are reinvested in the community and in education opportunities."
CANTER is the Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources. Founded in 1993, the program has benefited hundreds of local students and adults, using multiple PATH-certified instructors with diverse backgrounds to effectively meet the specific needs of those they serve.
Gail Farmer, president of the CANTER board of directors, said the activities offered by the program helps horse-riders develop decision-making and problem-solving skills, and builds strength and confidence. She said the indoor arena project will dramatically improve opportunities for riders and trainers to use the facility during poor weather.
"We have a problem with wind during some parts of the year. It creates a serious distraction for our riders and horses," Farmer said. "Having a facility that allows us to offer our programs indoors will make a real improvement in what we can offer to our students."
Each year the SSVEC Board of Directors reviews Foundation finances and determines the amount allocated to youth, teacher and education entity awards.
"This is the second year that the SSVEC Board of Directors has approved allocating Foundation funds for education grants," said Kristin Gray, SSVEC Community Relations Manager. "This year, for the first time, our program featured a jumbo grant to assist educational organizations in creating opportunities that will make a significant impact on our community."
When a member moves out of the SSVEC service territory, or discontinues service, and does not leave a forwarding address or contact information, unclaimed Membership Equity funds are turned over to the SSVEC Foundation.
The Foundation has utilized its funds to support annual programs, including the Youth Engineering and Science (YES) Fair, the Washington Youth Tour, academic and trade scholarships, and the past two years the grant program for teachers and education entities.
Other Project 2 grant awards were made to the Tombstone school district ($8,349) for the purchase of a "Leave A Mark" printing equipment; Willcox Theater and Arts, Inc. ($39,993.35) for the purchase of computers, photo and video equipment, and "makerspace" kits; Buena High School in Sierra Vista ($10,000) to upgrade chemistry lab equipment; Sonoita Elementary School District No. 25 ($40,000) for the purchase of classroom furniture and technology resources; Benson Primary School ($20,000) for the purchase of Kind Cats, an early-childhood service-learning program; Carmichael Elementary School ($21,607.95) for the purchase of Makerspace equipment and kits; the SKILLS Private Academy ($38,199.34) for the development of an outdoor science center; Willcox High School ($37,292.40) for the purchase of automotive technology; Bowie Schools ($8,000) for the costs of greenhouse management; Double Adobe School ($25,002.88), for the costs of converting from "book-learning" to a hands-on approach to science; San Simon USD No. 18 ($46,000) for the development of a modern K-12 curriculum; and Buena High School in Sierra Vista ($5,656) for the purchase of automotive technology for the classroom.
"Supporting the education of the youth in our community is fundamental to improving the quality of life of those we serve," Bowling said. "We're confident that the benefits that will result from the substantial investment by the SSVEC Foundation will make a significant difference in the educational opportunities available to local youth."
NAtional Night Out
SSVEC was on hand Tuesday, October 7, for the annual National Night Out event at Veterans’ Memorial Park in Sierra Vista.
The Cooperative proudly displayed its Safety Demonstration Trailer, with live presentations of how to stay safe in situations that involve electricity. The night is sponsored by the Sierra Vista Police Department.
Featuring free fun, National Night Out featured an impressive array of public safety organizations, with on-scene equipment demonstrations, games, and free take home items, promoting each agency and the vital services they provide.
Training for the unexpected:
SSVEC’s Emergency Response Drill
SSVEC’s Emergency Response Drill
SSVEC’s Emergency Response Drill
For linemen in the electric service industry, danger is a constant companion. Whether repairing energized lines 30 feet in the air or restoring power after storms and wildfires, these professionals face risks most people never encounter.
That reality was at the center of three Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) “Mayday Drills,” conducted in
SSVEC’s Emergency Response Drill
SSVEC’s Emergency Response Drill
Willcox, Benson, and Sierra Vista. Each involved SSVEC personnel, who coordinated with local first responder agencies.
“Training like this ensures everyone knows who to call, when to call, and what to expect,” said Matt Riesgo, SSVEC Safety Manager.
Lineman training emphasized CPR and first aid, while responders practiced rapid coordination with the SEACOM emergency dispatch center, a first-responder helicopter service, and local fire, police and rescue organizations.
“Working together with first responders builds confidence and ensures the best possible outcome when real
emergencies happen,” said Steve Garate, SSVEC Training and Development Manager.
Through realistic drills, SSVEC continues to strengthen safety awareness, teamwork, and readiness—ensuring crews are prepared for the unexpected.
SSVEC sends two teams to Light Up Navajo
Making the Navajo Nation a bit brighter
Ten employees representing the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) traveled to the Navajo Nation in July, joining in a national effort to extend electric service to those without power.
Participation in the "Light Up Navajo" program, now in its sixth year, began July 5 and involved a convoy trip of five vehicles and two trailers to the Native American reservation — the largest in the United States.
Each team spent a full week installing utility poles and extending wires to homes that were without electric service. Currently there are approximately 10,407 families living on the Navajo Nation that do not have electricity.
This year "Light Up Navajo" included linemen representing 16 different states from coast to coast. On average, 13 homes were connected each week with 4.2 miles of new powerline built.
"We are incredibly proud of our crew and the work they did," said Jason Bowling, Chief Executive Officer at SSVEC. "Participating in this program and providing electricity to homes and businesses that have been without this vital service says a lot about the character and quality of our people."
SSVEC employees who participated in the Light Up Navajo project from July 5 to July 12 included Eric Hessert, Chris Stephens, Frankie Bracamonte, Tyler Rios and Dylan Layton. From July 12 to July 19, the SSVEC crew included John Vandermeulen, Efren Gallego, Gabriel Ornelas, Brandon Torres, and CJ Putnam.
“I’m proud of our employees for stepping up and representing SSVEC with integrity and heart. Their work on the Navajo Nation is a powerful example of what service looks like in action,” said Nathan Hodges, Senior Vice President of Operations at SSVEC.
The crews set out early each Saturday from Benson and Willcox, respectively, for a more than eight-hour drive to the reservation. Each day consisted of 12 to 14 hours of work.
On the Thursday evening before returning to the SSVEC service territory, each team member was honored at a celebration hosted by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA).
The program was created through a partnership between NTUA and the American Public Power Association (APPA). APPA has a mutual aid program that sends electric crews to areas hit by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
“The visiting volunteer line workers signed up to travel here to help make a life changing difference for families,” said NTUA General Manager Walter W. Haase. “They left with an immense pride of accomplishment, especially when families thanked them for leaving their families and communities to help bring positive change to their lives.”
SSVEC Happenings
Honoring a Visionary: Randy Redmond and the Legacy of the Arizona Firefighters Fund
By Eric Kriwer, Director
Arizona Firefighters Fund
At the 52nd Annual Arizona Fire School, we proudly recognize Randy Redmond, whose vision and leadership transformed firefighter training in Arizona. Beginning in 2026, the scholarship program will be renamed the Arizona Fire School – Redmond Family Scholarship, honoring his enduring legacy.
Randy’s journey began in the early 2000s as a member of the Arizona State Fire Training Committee (SFTC) executive board. Alongside Polly Elson, he traveled statewide, discussing ways to improve training access and simplify grant processes. When the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office ended Fire School funding in 2008, Randy, then the SFTC Chair, guided the committee through the transition — ushering in a more independent, service-driven approach.
Following that pivotal year, Randy proposed creating a nonprofit foundation to fund scholarships for firefighters from small and rural departments. By 2009, with support from John Hayes and corporate sponsors, he co-founded the Arizona Firefighters Fund, starting with $25,000.
The Fund grew rapidly. By 2012, Randy had secured $60,000 from 14 donors, leading to the awarding of 50 scholarships in 2013. Ongoing support from organizations like APS and the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation helped expand its reach.
In 2014, Randy launched the Arizona Firefighter Training Specialty License Plate, a four-year effort that now generates over $30,000 annually. From 2014 until his retirement at the 50th Fire School, the Fund consistently awarded 100 percent of eligible scholarships, reaching up to 400 firefighters annually, with 100 percent of donations going directly to training.
“His determination and leadership to ensure we were able to support Arizona firefighters for many years to come has been beyond visionary,” said Eric Kriwer. “The opportunity for Arizona firefighters to train and return home better prepared will be remembered through the Redmond Family name.”
Thanks to Randy, the Fund has moved over $1 million, supported more than 3,500 firefighters, and established a model that will serve generations to come.