High School Students Selected to represent PEC in Washington, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) February 9, 2026 — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) has selected eight high school students across its service area to represent PEC at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2026 Youth Tour. The students will attend the all-expenses-paid event in Washington, D.C., June 14-22, 2026, to learn about government in action and our nation’s history. PEC’s delegates will join more than 1,500 students from electric cooperatives across the U.S. to visit historical sites, meet their state representatives, and make important connections.
“Participating in Youth Tour is a tremendous opportunity to build friendships, sightsee, and witness government in action,” said Mikayla Herron PEC Community Outreach Specialist. “What we’ve heard year after year are stories of the profoundly positive impact this trip has made in their lives, many times even helping to shape and influence their futures.”
PEC’s 2026 Youth Tour delegates who will represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., this summer are:
- Maxwell Davila, Senior at Lake Travis High School; Lake Travis ISD
- Anna Edwards, Senior at Cedar Park High School; Leander ISD
- Gabriella Fory, Junior at Canyon Lake High School; Comal ISD
- Ava Gray, Senior at One Day Academy
- Thomas Jansta, Junior at Leander High School; Leander ISD
- Kandice Richardson, Junior at Lago Vista High School; Lago Vista ISD
- Saisha Siram, Senior at Westwood High School; Round Rock ISD
- John Alan Whittle, Junior at Marble Falls High School; Marble Falls ISD
This year, applicants were asked to explain an issue or challenge they are passionate about and how they would raise awareness or improve it.
At a recent reception for the 2026 delegates and their families, Marble Falls High School’s John Alan Whittle thanked PEC before sharing his hopes for the experience.
“I look forward to bonding with many other young adults while exploring our capital together, and I’m honored to be chosen.”
During the trip, PEC delegates will:
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Washington National Cathedral, and other historic landmarks.
- Meet political representatives and learn about local and national government.
- Create friendships with students from across the country.
“I’m looking forward to building relationships with individuals from across the state and nation,” said Westwood High School’s Saisha Siram. “This is an opportunity like no other to learn from diverse perspectives and grow from them, so it’s something I’m incredibly grateful and excited for.”
Youth Tour brings to life former President LBJ’s vision to provide travel and opportunities to students in rural areas to help inspire the next generation of leaders and public servants. LBJ was instrumental in forming PEC and bringing power to the Texas Hill Country, and PEC continues to honor this legacy by sponsoring local students at Youth Tour.
PEC cares for its members and communities by investing in youth education programs while providing safe, reliable, and low-cost power. Students can learn more about the Youth Tour program and apply online at mypec.com/youth-tour. For questions or more information, please email [email protected].
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