More Than Fun: Youth Tour teaches civics, history and leadership
Back from a whirlwind week in Washington, D.C., Youth Tour participant Caydin Hughes hesitated to choose a favorite experience.
“The whole thing was just amazing and fun,” he said. A packed itinerary included the National Mall, Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theatre, Gettysburg, the U.S. Capitol and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In addition to visiting historic locations, students had the opportunity to explore the inner workings of our nation’s government and learn about the important roles electric cooperatives play in their communities, country and world. His all-expense-paid trip was sponsored by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative.
A high school junior from Trenton, Hughes demonstrated strong leadership skills on the trip. Consequently, he was one of three students chosen to participate in a special wreath-laying ceremony at former President George Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon.
Another bonus was the opportunity to meet students from all over the country.
“I made lots of friends and had an amazing time with them,” Hughes said. He’s staying in touch with a new friend from Florida.
More than 1,600 students from 44 states attended the Youth Tour this year. Hughes was among the 16 students and four adult chaperones from North Dakota. Since the late 1950s, nearly 50,000 high school students have participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) program. The annual event is intended to be an eyeopening immersion in history and civics, with plenty of youthful camaraderie and opportunities to grow.
Krista Rausch, communications specialist with the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, was one of the chaperones. She also planned the weeklong itinerary with the help of two colleagues, Pamela Clark-Stein, director of
education and member services, and Melinda Landis, administrative specialist.
“The Youth Tour is a great opportunity for students to learn about cooperatives and take in the history that continues to shape our world today,” Rausch said. “They’re long days, and we pack in a lot, but it’s worth it!”
Caydin Hughes, center, and Madalynn Orvis, right, stand infront of
President George Washington's tomb at Mount Vernon. Hughes and
Orvis were selected to carry a boxwood wreath, while Mattea Hysjulien, left,
read Washington's prayer for his country. This wreath-laying ceremony
pays tribute to our nation's first president.