Amongst a bustling schedule of being a senior, Class of 2024 graduates Wes Shaw of Clarendon, and Kaitlin Bawcom and Audrey Jones of Wellington, entered Greenbelt Electric Cooperative’s essay contest for a chance to attend this year’s Rural Electric Washington, DC, Youth Tour.
The students composed essays of less than 750 words on the subject, “How Would My Life Be Different Today Without Electricity.”
Judges chose the three students for the June 16-23 Government-in-Action Youth Tour as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Sponsored by electric cooperatives, the sponsors are committed to educating rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.
Shaw explained that he has attended Texas 4-H Congress in Austin as part of the leadership team, and one day, he hopes to work in Washington, DC, or Austin to advocate for agricultural pursuits.
“In my essay, I talked about how coming from an agricultural family and community, the loss of electricity would be detrimental to our operation and the production of agricultural commodities,” said Shaw. “I’ve competed in UIL Congressional Debate since I was a sophomore, so policy has always been a passion of mine. But the trip and being in DC with the amazing people from Texas Rural Electric Cooperatives was incredible! I highly recommend the program because of it bringing together so many students from numerous backgrounds. I made many friends on the trip that I will be close to for the rest of my life!”
Once the chartered plane touched down in DC, the troop of Texas youth visited the National Cathedral for a tour and a group picture.
“Washington, DC, was not only a trip of a lifetime that provided me with an unforgettable experience, but it also allowed me to live throughout the history I have been learning about since elementary school,” Jones said. “Although it wasn’t my first time flying, it was the first time for many of the other people. Flying on a chartered plane with 147 Texas teenagers will forever be a memory I’ll never forget! I can’t imagine what everyone thought when a huge heard of teenagers came marching through the airport at 5 a.m., all in matching T-shirts!”
Day two consisted of visiting the Museum of the Bible, touring the memorials and observing the Iwo Jima Parade.
“My favorite memories on the trip were getting to walk through the Museum of the Bible and also the tour of the Capitol,” Bawcom said. “I also got to meet many people from all around Texas and made friendships that will last a lifetime that I am so blessed with!”
The youth tourists spent day three touring Mount Vernon and visiting Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson memorials. The day ended with Youth Day at the Gaylord with all states.
“Some of my favorite memories of the trip include getting to visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and getting to visit with Congressman Ronny Jackson’s staff on upcoming legislative priorities,” said Shaw. “The trip to DC cemented my passion for policy and government.”
Capitol Hill Day visits went smoothly, and the Texas entourage toured the Library of Congress as a group. The day ended with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) farewell dinner and dance, also with all states.
“I had flown before the trip, but the charter plane going to Washington, DC, was by far my favorite,” added Bawcom. “The trip will impact my future endeavors because it gave me a sense of experience, and it has broadened my interests in many things I saw during the week. I am so grateful to have been sent by Greenbelt Electric Cooperative, and it truly was the trip of a lifetime!”
The visitors found a photo session at the White House almost impossible due to being closed off to the public. Prior to the conclusion of the trip, the youth visited the Smithsonian museums and ended the day on a Potomac River Boat Cruise with dinner and dancing with the state of Alabama.
“At Arlington National Cemetery, we took a tram tour that included the Arlington House, Kennedy gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” explained one of the Texas sponsors. “A bus dining experience followed to allow time to get dressed for the Kennedy Center.”
At the Kennedy Center, the Texans enjoyed a performance entitled “Disney in Concert.” Following the performance, the group experienced dinner on the rooftop of the Kennedy Center KC Café.
This contest is open to any high school student from the service area of Greenbelt Electric Cooperative: Clarendon, Claude, Hedley, Ft. Elliott, McLean, Samnorwood, Shamrock, Wellington, and Wheeler.
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