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Washington Youth Tour
Life-changing: Washington Youth Tour
By Joe Arnold
The program that shapes the future for individuals, electric co-ops and America
Editor’s Note: When considering the future of electricity, perhaps no factor is more important than the future consumer-members and leaders of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives. Since 1972, the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives has coordinated our state’s delegation for the national Washington Youth Tour, a weeklong program where students representing rural electric co-ops learn about the political process, interact with elected officials and gain an up-close understanding of American history. Jenny Mays of West Kentucky RECC, one of 90 Kentucky high school seniors on the 2018 youth tour in June, shares what the trip meant to her.
There is only one word that I feel perfectly embodies the Washington Youth Tour: extraordinary.
From the beauty of the National Cathedral to the excitement of the NRECA farewell event, the youth tour is an adventure like none other. Not only did our delegation take in breathtaking monuments and speak with political leaders of today, we learned about becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We were given a week that I believe will prove invaluable in the years to come, a week to build lifelong friendships, a week to make unforgettable memories. We were given a week that changed us all for the better.
The beauty of the youth tour, however, is not found in the grandiose. It is found in the details. I would like to shine a light on the little things that truly make the Washington Youth Tour what it is.
There is no shortage of spectacular people. Every single individual I had the honor of connecting with—whether a fellow delegate, a chaperone or the bus driver—radiated kindness and commitment. From moment one, the coordinators, chaperones and bus drivers made it clear to each of us that we, the delegates, were their first priority. I never saw a single adult exhibit anything less than utter and complete dedication to us and to our lives. Their concern was not only for our present, but for our future as well. These hard-working men and women completely exemplified what it means to connect with the people around you. Every day, they would go out of their way to spend time with us, to learn about the things we cared about. They laughed, cried and even learned with us. Each of them consciously and consistently encouraged us to pursue our dreams.
Nothing, not even the majestic Washington Monument or the remarkable view from Monticello, can, in my mind, parallel the beauty of the genuine concern and connection that I experienced from every chaperone. Thank you for your time, attention, encouragement, patience and support. You made an already incredible week so much better than I ever could have imagined.
You may think of the Washington Youth Tour as an opportunity to simply tour museums and monuments, yet it also helped us become more engaged students and citizens.
From learning about the ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, to soaking in every ounce of knowledge the Smithsonian Institution had to offer, to speaking with national leaders such as Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the opportunities to broaden our horizons were innumerable.
Hill Day was special. How amazing it was to converse with political leaders like Congressmen James Comer, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and Brett Guthrie; Senators Rand Paul and McConnell; and Chao. It was both humbling and exhilarating. Not only did they give us a peek into current issues, but also a more complete view of the role of government in our lives. Sen. Paul explained why our country chose to be a constitutional republic rather than a full-blown democracy. Our meeting with Secretary Chao was incredibly exciting. She gave us insight into upcoming projects and advancements at the Department of Transportation, as well as an inside look at presidential cabinet meetings.
The tour has given me memories, friendships and learning opportunities that have changed my life. None of this would be possible without the generosity of organizations such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives; my local cooperative, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation; and the many individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making this week a success.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank every single person who played a role in funding, organizing and supervising this experience. You will never know how big an impact this one week has made on the lives of so many. Yes, the word extraordinary is fitting.
A message to future students: The Youth Tour is so much more than a vacation. If you will simply allow yourself to soak in—to enjoy—all that it has to offer, it will quickly become one of the best weeks of your life.
Kentucky Washington Youth Tour Students Join Record Crowd
Eighty-three of Kentucky’s best and brightest rising high school seniors descended upon the nation’s capital in June, representing electric cooperatives on the annual Washington Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid, week-long experience sponsored by participating electric cooperatives.
Allison Wade of Jackson Energy was selected as the Youth Leadership Council representative from Kentucky.
“The Youth Tour was an unbelievable experience that was almost too special for words,” Wade said. “Throughout the Youth Tour, I made memories and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I am beyond grateful to share this experience with other cooperatives across Kentucky.”
En route on two motor coaches, the journey began with visits to the homes of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, followed by more than 40 miles of walking to monuments and museums in Washington, D.C..
“As I was surrounded by incredible people, monuments, history, politicians, and current events, Washington D.C. captured my heart,” said Annah Valenta of Blue Grass Energy. “This trip has helped guide my decision to pursue political journalism, a passion of mine which grew much stronger after my week in D.C.. And it’s all thanks to Blue Grass Energy and KAEC.”
Kentucky’s delegation joined a record crowd of 1,800 students at the NRECA Youth Day, where they heard from speakers who motivate and honor the spirit of electric cooperatives’ commitment to community and the important role of being politically aware and politically active.
“I learned about how the government works and I got to see sights that I could only imagine seeing,” said Walker Hancock of South Kentucky RECC. “It was an honor being able to go on this trip and represent SKRECC.”
The students visited Capitol Hill on the same day as the shooting of Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and four others at a baseball practice. Despite the incident, Kentucky’s congressional delegation kept their commitment to meet with the students, candidly talking about security concerns and answering a wide variety of questions from the students.
“The week I spent in D.C. was a highlight of my life,” said Evan Morton of Meade County RECC. “I am very thankful for Meade Co RECC, as well as all chaperones and youth tour leaders, that offered me such an incredible experience. I left Washington with many memories and new friends that I’ll never forget.”
Coordinated by the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, the tour was led by KAEC’s Mary Beth Dennis and 13 chaperones.
“Thanks to Mary Beth and all the folks at KAEC for a wonderful week in Washington D.C.” said Renita Fox, a chaperone from Jackson Energy. “It was an amazing experience and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see these young kids enjoy and have such a good time together.”
Watch the Kentucky Washington Youth Tour 2017 recap video:
Youth Tour goes ‘virtual’
Coronavirus changes co-op plans
(March 27, 2020) – With the Frankfort Youth Tour of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, elected leaders are making sure that the 150 high school juniors selected for the leadership program are still receiving a virtual dose of civic engagement.
Video messages by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams and Representative Samara Heavrin highlight the “Virtual Frankfort Youth Tour” released by Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. Other elected leaders are also invited to add their messages to the video.
“Now more than ever we need those of you who are eligible to register to vote, and we need poll workers” says Adams, whose message focused on rural voting. He credited his election in November to voters in rural counties saying: “My grandfather made me this wooden state of Kentucky after I won my race. Look how many counties are red, rural counties. Never forget every vote counts.”
Previously scheduled for March 17, the 2020 Frankfort Youth Tour was to also kick off this year’s Co-ops Vote initiative to encourage civic engagement by local consumer-members of Kentucky co-ops. Electric cooperatives serve 117 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
“We are really sorry to miss the opportunity to take students to Frankfort. It’s not only an opportunity for our students to learn more about Kentucky’s government, but for those that go on to the Washington Youth Tour, it creates an even deeper connection between local and national leadership” says Sarah Fellows of Nolin RECC.
For nearly fifty years, Kentucky’s local electric cooperatives have sponsored youth tours of both Frankfort and Washington, D.C., selecting rising young leaders in their service territories to gain a personal understanding of American history, civic affairs, and their role as citizens and members of electric cooperatives.
“It saddens me that we had to cancel the Frankfort Tour, but it was the best decision,” says Vanessa Blagg of Jackson Purchase Energy. “Our students’ health and well-being are of the utmost important to us.”
“My mom told me the trip to Frankfort was cancelled,” says Gabe McFadyen, a Warren RECC student. “I’m bummed, but I understand.”
Heavrin, who was sponsored on the 2009 Washington Youth Tour by Warren RECC, says the experience opened her to career opportunities she didn’t know existed. After working on Capitol Hill and the Kentucky State Treasurer’s office, Heavrin was elected in November to represent Kentucky’s 18th House District, serving Grayson and Hardin Counties.
“I became the youngest woman ever to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly and I truly give that all up to my opportunity to be on the Washington Youth Tour,” Heavrin says. “I’m so thankful Kentucky Electric Cooperatives invested in me just like they are investing in you today. What an incredible opportunity you have to learn more about our government and a life as a public servant.”
In deciding to postpone the 2020 Frankfort Youth Tour, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives heeded the call of Governor Andy Beshear to avoid large social gatherings. Since then, Beshear has only intensified those public health directives.
“The safety and quality of life of our local co-op consumer-members are our priorities,” says Chris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. “We hope to find an alternative date in the future to continue this important commitment to Kentucky’s future.”
Frankfort Youth Tour postponed
Kentucky’s electric cooperatives heed Governor’s caution amid COVID-19 concerns
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Frankfort Youth Tour which annually sends 150 high school juniors from across Kentucky to the state capitol has been indefinitely postponed out of public health concerns amid COVID-19.
“The safety and quality of life of our local co-op consumer-members are our priorities,” said Chris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. “Based on the recommendation of Governor Beshear to avoid large social gatherings and in an effort to protect all Kentuckians, we made the decision to postpone the 2020 Frankfort Youth Tour. We hope to find an alternative date in the future to continue this important commitment to Kentucky’s future.”
Previously scheduled for Tuesday March 17, the Frankfort Youth Tour includes remarks from elected leaders, tours of the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion and civic education at the Kentucky History Center and Museum. For nearly fifty years, Kentucky’s local electric cooperatives have sponsored youth tours of both Frankfort and Washington, D.C., selecting rising young leaders in their service territories to gain a personal understanding of American history, civic affairs and their role as citizens and members of electric cooperatives.
Youth tour winners recognized
SKRECC Mgr of Energy Services & Member Engagement Alan Coffey and Kentucky Electric Coops Dir of Events & Youth Programs Mary Beth Dennis recently traveled to area schools to present last year’s Washington Youth Tour winners with framed Kentucky Living Magazine covers with their photo. If you are a high school junior, see your guidance counselors or call (800) 264-5112 to speak to Alan Coffey for more information about the Washington Youth Tour!
Youth Tour
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Today is #LineworkerAppreciationDay! We would like to thank the lineworkers for their commitment to providing safe, reliable service.❤️ #ThankaLineworker
Though outage numbers are relatively low (about 4,200 all co-ops combined), the damage to electric systems in affected areas is substantial.
STAY AWAY from any downed lines.
We are praying for everyone suffering in the aftermath of tornadoes.
Youth Tour
Of the many ways Kentucky’s electric cooperatives demonstrate commitment to community, perhaps none is more appreciated than youth tour activities.
Both the Kentucky Rural Electric Frankfort Youth Tour and Washington Youth Tour are coordinated by the statewide association.
Frankfort Youth Tour
February 21, 2024
Each spring, more than 100 high school juniors representing participating electric cooperatives across Kentucky spend a day in Frankfort learning about state government, Kentucky history and leadership. Typical activities include tours of the state capitol and governor’s mansion, and discussions with political leaders.
Washington Youth Tour
June 17-22, 2024
The Washington Youth Tour is an annual, week long, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, that is open to select high school students whose homes are served by electric cooperatives.
Twenty-two of Kentucky’s 24 electric cooperatives participate in the Kentucky Rural Electric Washington Youth Tour.
Although all participants must be between their junior and senior years in high school and no older than 18 at the time of the Washington trip, each electric co-op has a unique method of selecting students for the trip. Some co-ops hold essay contests; some rely on personal interviews; some administer qualifying exams.
Students interested in the Washington Youth Tour trip must apply through the electric co-op that serves their area of the state. For example, students living in the Hopkinsville area may only apply through Pennyrile Electric Cooperative while students living in the Somerset area may only apply through South Kentucky RECC.
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives have been coordinating the tour for Kentucky co-ops since 1972, when 18 students and four chaperones made the trip.
Among Kentucky’s WYT alumni are business leaders, elected officials, journalists, and many engaged co-op members and citizens.
