Lessons from the Washington Youth Tour
Editor’s note: This month’s Our Power and Our People columns are combined to showcase five student delegates from the Washington Youth Tour. Kentucky Electric Cooperatives’ slogan has been “Our power is our people,” for a long time, and these students exemplify that idea.
Anna Sumrall, Nolin RECC
The entire ride to D.C., I had the old I’m Just a Bill, Schoolhouse Rock! song stuck in my head. I’ve always loved that song, but it fails in comparison to actually being there, walking up the steps of the Capitol, simply being in the rotunda. When you stand there, there is a wash of feelings. Part of you feels small standing inside such fantastic buildings. But more than that, I felt empowered. This is where it happens. Where the sad bill from the song becomes reality.
As a student with a deep interest for civics and government, being in D.C. is incomparable. No lecture or documentary can measure up to hearing our leaders speak about their jobs—and envisioning the day when you’re in their shoes.
Anna Sumrall, center, representing Nolin RECC, asks a question during a meeting with congressional staff members. Photo: Tim Webb
I think back to the lyrics of that catchy tune I’m Just a Bill. Just. I hear that word a lot. “I’m just a teenager.” “I’m just a kid from small town Kentucky, I can’t even vote.” I disagree. The people I met aren’t just students. We aren’t insignificant. We are the future leaders of America.
Kasey Padgett, Inter-County Energy
The Washington Youth Tour was an extraordinary and enlightening experience. Having grown up in a rural community, the transition to the bustling city environment was truly eye-opening.
The precision and skill displayed during the silent drill at the Marine Corps Sunset Parade left me in awe. Watching them perform with such discipline and expertise was truly mesmerizing.
Kasey Padgett, a student from Inter-County Energy, smiles in front of the Washington Monument. Photo: Tim Webb
The 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon includes a poignant detail: the orientation of the benches. Benches facing the direction from which the plane approached were dedicated to those who perished aboard the aircraft, while those facing the Pentagon honored the individuals who lost their lives within the building. Delving deeper into our nation’s history was a profoundly enriching experience.
I had the extraordinary honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It reminded me of the incredible sacrifices made by soldiers who have given their lives for our country. It was a humbling and unforgettable experience, and I will always cherish the opportunity.
I am immensely grateful to Inter-County Energy for selecting me for this unforgettable tour. The memories I made and the new experiences I gained in the nation’s capital will stay with me forever.
Alex Hancock, South Kentucky RECC
We visited the homes of two of the greatest men in our nation’s history: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. There’s an indescribable feeling standing where two of the greatest men in America’s history literally made history.
Visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Reading about the Holocaust is one thing; seeing the graphic images of the horror of the Holocaust is another. I couldn’t speak for half an hour after leaving the museum.
Alex Hancock, representing South Kentucky RECC, says his favorite part of the trip was touring the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Tim Webb
The highlight of the trip was no doubt the U.S. Capitol. It was incredible to walk through possibly the most important building in our nation. We met with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell on the steps of the Senate Building, and with congressional staff inside the Capitol. We learned so much from our time with them.
We learned a lot about our nation’s electric cooperatives, and the important role they play in our communities. I’m grateful to these organizations both for the opportunity to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., and for their service to our communities. Everyone who went on this trip will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Olivia Tharp, West Kentucky RECC
Representing Kentucky on the 2024 Washington Youth Tour granted us memories to last a lifetime and learning opportunities to make a greater difference, starting in our communities. It changed my understanding of my country and my community. I gained a deeper appreciation for rural electric cooperatives by learning more about co-op origins and their mission.
Inspiring NRECA Youth Night guest speaker, Mike Schlapp, a four-time paralympic medalist, reminded delegates that, “There is no limit on the community you serve.” He also emphasized the importance of leading from the front because “you must shape the narrative; if you don’t tell your story, someone else will tell it for you.”
Alex Hancock, representing South Kentucky RECC, says his favorite part of the trip was touring the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Tim Webb
Arlington National Cemetery reminded us of the greatest sacrifice of all. Our up-close visit to history’s heroes and icons served as a guiding light to the question, “What difference can I make in our national history?”
Through meeting fellow delegates from across Kentucky, I came to the conclusion that no matter where we come from, we are more similar than we may realize at first glance. Networking extended past the level of chaperones; we were building connections and relationships with the future leaders of tomorrow.
Emma Sanders, Farmers RECC
The Washington Youth Tour, sponsored by electric co-ops across the nation, is a wonderful, inspiring and life-changing opportunity.
My favorite part of the trip was receiving the honor of laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seeing people from all over the world come together in a respectful, polite and honorable manner while the ceremony was conducted gave my heart hope for the future of our nation. As we marched down the steps to lay the wreath, the connection, respect and gratitude I felt is something I will hold onto forever.
Emma Sanders, a student from Farmers RECC, says the Washington Youth Tour was the “trip of a lifetime.” Photo: Joe Arnold
I couldn’t have imagined a better trip. The friendships, memories, laughs and experiences will forever remain close to my heart. My peers from across the state came together as a group, showcased pride in our Kentucky roots and grew together as individuals. I foresee many bright leaders in our future. No matter what county we were from, we all came together with the same love and respect for this free nation. I’m forever thankful for this wonderful opportunity, and I appreciate all the hard work, dedication and planning that went into the youth tour. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime!
