By Alexia Butt, member service intern
This past June, two Ohio students, Kailen King and Ellie Moss, represented South Central Power on the annual Washington Youth Tour.
Every year since 1964, electric co-ops across the country pick among countless student candidates and fund the weeklong trip for a few who stand out. This is an amazing opportunity for students to learn about the unique way in electric co-op operates, meet important people in the United States Congress, visit the sights of our beautiful capital city, and so much more!
Kailen King, a New Hope Christian Academy student from Circleville, found the trip to be an amazing opportunity. She says the people, events, and places she saw were incredibly inspiring. She said she learned the most during a visit to the Cardinal Power Plant on the last day of the tour. “I learned how the cooperatives have more of a purpose than just delivering electricity,” she said. “My takeaway is that electric cooperatives are more involved in our daily lives than we think, which is something to be grateful for.” Kailen suggests that any student who loves history and meeting new people apply to go on this trip and make some memories they will never forget.
Ellie Moss, a student of Amanda Clearcreek High School from Lancaster and self-proclaimed “history geek,” most enjoyed visiting the famous historical monuments in D.C. She was also very invested in the influential people and governmental figures she got to meet. “It’s really outstanding how we all got to be a part of such an experience, and it was truly enlightening,” she said. Ellie, like Kailen, emphasized the amazing opportunities this trip provided. She loved how she was able to get out of her comfort zone and make some enjoyable memories.
Looking for more information on how you or a loved one can apply for this opportunity? Visit our Youth Tour web page to learn more.