“The 2023 Youth Tour was an unforgettable week that presented valuable information I can use for the rest of my life. I was able to meet several North Carolina congressmen and gain insight into how our nation’s capital functions. I never realized how important it is for youth to be connected with our government; it was inspiring,” said Mackenzie Morrow, JOEMC Youth Tour delegate.
Around 1,800 high school students convened in Washington, D.C. from June 18-23 as representatives of the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Among them were 43 students from North Carolina, including 4 local delegates sponsored by JOEMC: Xavier Drinkwine, Alyssa Hibbert, Mackenzie Morrow, and Lillian Tallman. Throughout the week-long event, the students engaged in leadership training, held discussions with elected officials, established connections with peers from around the nation, gained insights into electric cooperatives, and explored the historical monuments and museums of Washington, D.C.
“Getting to witness our Youth Tourists exploring D.C. with confidence and curiosity was great to see,” said Linda Mathiasen, JOEMC Director of Graphic Services and 2023 Youth Tour Advisor. “The Youth Tour emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the fact that politics touch every aspect of life. We hope the experiences and skills delegates gained during the trip will benefit them on their journey to becoming our next great leaders.”
During the seven-day tour, the students deepened their understanding of U.S. history through visits to iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, as well as several Smithsonian museums. They also paid tribute to fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The students had the opportunity to pose policy-related questions to members of the North Carolina congressional delegation during a meeting on Capitol Hill, where valuable advice was shared.
For the past 58 years, America’s electric cooperatives have united students from all corners of the country, broadening their horizons and expanding their knowledge. This program has seen the participation of nearly 50,000 students nationwide, with JOEMC alone having sent over130 students throughout the years. To learn more about the program, visit the Community Tab on joemc.com.
See highlights from the North CarolinaYouth Tour on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #NCYouthTour
