This summer, 44 lucky students from Ohio had the opportunity to represent electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., as a part of the annual Youth Tour. Two of these individuals were children of South Central Power members and were sponsored by the cooperative for this weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip.
Avery Hostutler of Ashville and Maria Knupp of Circleville were among the students who participated in this year’s Youth Tour, from June 14 through 20. This group of about 1,700 students came from across the United States and had a hands-on experience in our nation’s capital.
Youth Tour participants are young leaders in their communities. They are kept busy with a full itinerary, visiting historical sites and memorials in Washington, D.C. They also learn from politicians and lawmakers about how they can be effective leaders.
Meet the delegates
Avery Hostutler attends Teays Valley High School and already has dedicated a lot of his time to public service. He has been on a youth mission trip to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Avery volunteers as a swim coach for the Circleville YMCA and is on the Teen Advisory Board for the attorney general. He also leads a service project that donates dog toys made from old clothing to the Pickaway County Animal Shelter and is a member of his school’s Key Club.
“It was a really fun, interesting perspective. Everything was so planned out in a way that I was able to experience it better.” — Avery Hostutler
Maria Knupp also attends Teays Valley High School and is involved in charity work. She has been on mission trips and volunteers in the community through her school. Maria also volunteers for her church, competes on her varsity tennis and track teams, is a member of American Heritage Girls, and is on the Athletic Leadership Council for her school.
“Visiting D.C. with Youth Tour was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met new people and learned more about how electric cooperatives operate.” — Maria Knupp
Youth Tour history
Youth Tour originated in 1964, when cooperatives across the nation sent students to learn leadership skills and history in Washington, D.C. Youth Tour demonstrates the cooperative’s commitment to community. This program encourages leadership in these individuals and helps them build long-term relationships with other young leaders across the U.S. Along with this, the program educates youth about electric cooperatives and the important role they play in the community.
How to apply
If you or a student you know are interested in going on the Youth Tour next June, applications will be available on our website, southcentralpower.com, beginning in January of 2027. You must be a high school junior in the 2026 – 2027 school year to apply for the trip.