When you hear about Farmers RECC investing in the communities we serve, it’s not just in electrical infrastructure, economic development or the local events we support. Our
commitment to community is all about our consumer-members, including by sponsoring local students on the 2022 Washington Youth Tour.
In June, four local high school seniors joined 60 other Kentucky electric co-op students for the weeklong program where they learned about the political process, interacted with elected officials and gained an up-close understanding of American history.
“It was an awesome trip and we got to see a lot of really cool things thanks to Farmers RECC,” says Barren County High School student Jackson Houchens. Riley Mathews,
also from Barren County High School, echoed Houchens, saying, “This tour was the highlight of my summer! The memories I’ve made, and the experience was incredible.”
The students joined more than 1,800 of rural America’s best and brightest high-schoolers representing electric cooperatives across America. Now in its 57th year, the youth tour educates students about the issues facing co-ops, encouraging them to come home to Kentucky and help lead the co-ops in the future.
The busy itinerary included visits to national monuments, Smithsonian museums, the National Archives, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. At the U.S. Capitol, Farmers RECC students interacted with Kentucky’s congressional delegation, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Rand Paul and Congressmen Brett Guthrie, Thomas Massie and James Comer.
“Through this trip I was able to not only tour our beautiful capital, but make friendships that I am confident will last a lifetime,” says Aleia Kate Harper, Barren County High School.
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives has been coordinating the tour for Kentucky co-ops since 1972.
“Our goal this week is to foster a new era of leadership and cultivate a culture of service to shape the future of these students who will go on to create change in their communities,” says Mary Beth Dennis, the statewide association’s cooperative outreach director.
“Being able to tour our nation’s capitol has been an honor. Not only have I made wonderful memories, but I have met some of the most incredible people,” shares Barren County High School student Abigail Nuetzman.
“The youth tour is an investment in rising leaders and the future of electric co-ops,” says Bill Prather, Farmers RECC president and CEO. “We are so proud of these students. They impress us with their passion for their communities and our nation, and they give us hope for the future.”
For more information about the Washington Youth Tour program, including application details, visit our Washington Youth Tour page.