Special to Atmore News
(Jay, FL) Since 1964, the nation’s electric cooperatives have sent student delegates to Washington, D.C. for the annual Youth Tour, organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), to gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen. Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) began sending delegates in 1986. This year, 34 students from across Florida Electric Cooperatives traveled together for a week-long trip to experience Washington.
Four students were selected to experience this once in a lifetime trip this year as representatives from EREC: Hannah Bott and Taylor Baggett, seniors from Central High School; Caroline Harp, a senior from Jay High School; and Drake Driskell, a junior from Northview High School.
“Sponsoring students for this exciting, educational trip is just one of the ways we invest in our youth,” EREC CEO Ryan Campbell said.
The weeklong Washington, D.C., Youth Tour was jam-packed with sightseeing where history comes to life. While touring, students visited many of the major monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral and much more. Students also visited Capitol Hill where they met with Florida’s senators and congressmen.
Youth Tour inspires many students to discover who they want to be.
“Youth Day is really something to see,” said Alisia Hounshell, Director of Communications and Statewide Services at Florida Electric Cooperatives Association. “Every year, we see a new group of students, but one thing is constant: the energy. These students are excited to be a part of this tour and it shows.”
“Being in Washington DC for a week was nothing short of amazing! Seeing all the monuments, museums, buildings, national documents, and history in DC was absolutely fascinating,” Caroline Harp said. “I can’t begin to thank EREC enough for this great opportunity.”