Students to represent co-op in Washington, D.C., visit historical sites and meet with elected officials
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) February 13, 2024 — For more than 56 years, PEC has proudly participated in Youth Tour, a program established by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which sends students on an all-expenses paid trip to our nation’s capital. This year, PEC selected 10 students to represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with lawmakers, visit historical sites, and learn about U.S. history and government.
PEC’s delegates were selected from more than 85 applicants and will join Texas delegates as well as students from across the nation chosen to represent their electric cooperative. The trip will take place this summer June 16-23. As part of the competition, students were asked to provide a resume and short-answer responses to two questions. The applicants who scored highest on their essays were selected for interviews and an independent panel determined the final delegates.
This year’s PEC’s Youth Tour delegates are:
· Julio Correa — Senior, Lehman High School
· Campbell Harkness — Senior, Vista Ridge High School
· Reagan Hutchinson — Junior, Founders Classical Academy of Leander
· Nithila Karthik — Junior, McNeil High School
· Jake McAnelly — Senior, Smithson Valley High School
· Gigi Muniu — Junior, Liberty Hill High School
· Carson Reinarz — Senior, Canyon Lake High School
· Manas Singh — Senior, Vista Ridge High School
· Audrey Staker — Junior, Dripping Springs High School
· Henry Vanicek — Junior, Marble Falls High School
Former-president Lyndon B. Johnson developed the idea for Youth Tour in 1957 and was passionate about providing opportunities for young students to learn about U.S. government and public service firsthand. Johnson also played an important role in forming PEC and bringing electricity to the Texas Hill Country.
“It’s an honor to provide these bright young students an opportunity to experience government in action,” said PEC Community Outreach Specialist Mikayla Herron. “We hope the people they meet, the connections they make, and their experiences on this trip can be a steppingstone into leadership and public service roles to enrich our communities and help the Texas Hill Country flourish for years to come.”
Every year, PEC invites high school sophomores to seniors to apply for Youth Tour. Learn more about the program and how to participate at pec.coop/youth-tour.
