High school students encouraged to apply by Nov. 12
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) Oct.1, 2026 — Each year, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) selects high school students to represent the co-op in Washington, D.C., at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour. There, delegates join thousands of other students from across the U.S. visiting historical sites, meeting their state representatives, and making important connections, sometimes even lifelong friendships.
Youth Tour brings to life former President LBJ’s vision to inspire the next generation of leaders to get involved with their community, local government, and public service. LBJ not only helped form Youth Tour, he was also instrumental in the electrification of the Texas Hill Country and helped form PEC when private utility companies would not bring power to rural areas outside of Austin and San Antonio.
Applications are now open for PEC’s 2027 Youth Tour. The deadline to apply is Nov. 12 and full details are available at myPEC.com/youth-tour.
PEC Youth Tour delegates who participated last summer, reached out to share their powerful experiences in the hopes of encouraging students to apply. Here are their stories.
Ava Gray, recent graduate of One Day Academy in Buda
I had the honor of being selected to represent PEC at the National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. And while this was such an amazing opportunity, it did not come without hesitations. The thought of being among thousands of strangers was daunting. Yet the ‘strangers’ I was so unsure of traveling with, turned out to be my dearest friends. These dear friends of mine not only laughed and sang on the bus with me — they also walked alongside me for miles through the hills of Arlington National Cemetery, to support me as I visited my father’s grave. They stood in silence beside me, honoring my father and his sacrifice to our country. They knelt and wept with me in my grief, and they prayed with me at his headstone.
This is what true friendship is. Someone who walks through life with you in the most vulnerable and difficult moments and laughs with you in the best. Never in my life have I felt so truly loved by friends, as I did that day, kneeling in the grass by my father’s grave, surrounded by people I met four days earlier. And to think, I would not have had these dear friends, without first taking a chance and stepping out in faith.
Thanks to Pedernales Electric Cooperative, and the whole Texas Electric Cooperative organization, for the honor of being selected for this trip. I was given the opportunity to take a chance on something new, allowing myself to love and be loved by complete strangers who have now become some of my dearest friends.
John Alan Whittle, senior at Marble Falls High School
When I found out I was selected to represent PEC on Youth Tour, I knew it would be a unique opportunity. Looking back, calling it unique feels like an understatement, because it was genuinely a life-changing experience.
From the moment we landed in the nation’s capital, the days were packed with history, leadership, and connection. Being part of the PEC delegation made the trip extra special. Our group shared an incredible bond right from the start. Whether we were navigating busy tour schedules, discussing what we learned, or just laughing together on the bus, the energy and camaraderie made every moment memorable. Having such a supportive and fun group of peers around me turned a great educational trip into a lifelong core memory.
Throughout the week we visited iconic landmarks, met with leaders, and learned about public service and history. While every stop was impressive, my personal favorite was exploring the national memorials at night. The history represented by those monuments hit differently at night. It wasn’t just about reading dates in a textbook, it was about feeling the scale of leadership, sacrifice, and community that built our country.
Youth Tour gave me a broader perspective on leadership and civic engagement. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, sharpened my confidence, and introduced me to incredible people I might never have met otherwise. It showed me that youth voices truly matter and that understanding how our communities and government work is essential for our shared future.
For any student considering applying for the Youth Tour, my advice is simple, do it. This is so much more than a sightseeing trip; it is an inspiring, eye-opening adventure that will change how you see the world and your place in it.
Gabriella Fory, senior at Canyon Lake High School
The most meaningful takeaway was realizing freedom is never free. After visiting all the war memorials, walking through the Arlington National Cemetery and seeing my great-great-uncle’s name engraved on the wall transformed history from something that I learned about in school to something deeply personal. His sacrifice along with many others, gave me a deeper appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
I find this also inspiring because I want to attend the United States Naval Academy to serve my country and be part of something greater than myself. Connecting with people from different backgrounds broadened my perspective, inspired me to set higher goals, and reminded me of the value of learning from others.
Kandice Richardson, senior at Lago Vista High School
Although we all came from different backgrounds, everyone was welcoming and eager to make new friends. Every time I met someone new, they greeted me with kindness, started conversations, and made me feel included.
No one thought twice about including me, and simple conversations quickly turned into meaningful friendships. The people I met throughout Youth Tour changed my perspective on meeting new people and gave me the confidence to initiate conversations, connect with others, and build relationships that I will always remember.
Thomas Jansta, senior at Leander High School
Youth Tour was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am so thankful I got to be part of. My favorite part was meeting a ton of new people I might never have had the chance to interact with if I hadn’t taken this opportunity. I met students from rural communities with populations of fewer than 100 people and others from the largest cities in the country. Even though I had known these people for no longer than a week, I made many friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.
This was one of the best weeks of my life, and I am so grateful that I got to attend. You meet amazing, like-minded students, see one of the coolest cities in the country, and learn how to be a strong leader in your community. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by; apply and experience it for yourself!
Students can learn more and apply at myPEC.com/youth-tour.
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