Washington D.C. Youth Tour 2023

High School seniors Caroline Yates, Cornerstone (left) and Fallon Starkey, Pisgah (right) attended this year’s Washington Youth Tour compliments of Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative. A total of 53 students and nine chaperones made up the Alabama delegation. Here’s what both girls thought about the experience:

WHAT PART OF WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR DID YOU ENJOY MOST?

Caroline: I enjoyed learning more about our nation’s history and how it has impacted our future generations. It was an amazing experience and I’m grateful for it. I am so thankful that I got to go with Fallon. She is now one of my close friends.

Fallon: I really enjoyed “The Lion King” musical along with just getting to interact and meet tons of new people.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT?

Caroline: My favorite place to visit was Arlington National Cemetery. There is something special about that place. It may not have been the coolest place to some people, but what I felt there impacted me. Our nation’s freedom was fought for and came with a price. All those headstones represented the ones who fought for the cause and wanted to get the chance to experience freedom. They gave their life for something they believed in and that, within itself is beautiful.

Fallon: My favorite place to visit was the Holocaust Museum. I am amazed at how much those people went through.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FUTURE STUDENTS COMPETING FOR THESE TWO TRIPS?

Caroline: To future students: If you want an amazing experience, the chance to see where the foundation of our nation was laid and to meet new individuals - compete to the best of your abilities. I remember nights before I went to the co-op for the competition, I studied so much. I really wanted this. If you really want this, show the co-op by working hard. You won’t regret it. Good luck!

Fallon: If I was to give advice, I would say to make sure you have some good walking shoes and what you get to experience is an experience of a lifetime, so soak it all in. Most importantly, you get out of Youth Tour what you put in it.

Just a few weeks ago the Alabama delegation joined over 1,800 others converging on Washington, D.C. for a week. Students are selected and sponsored by 18 rural electric co-ops from across our state. Co-op employees serve as chaperones. On the next page, see Caroline Yates and Fallon Starkey photographed at some of the stops during the Washington Youth Tour.