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Youth Tour Winners Spend Unforgettable Week in Washington, D.C.
By Brianna Wall | Editor & Creative Director
Four area teens recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. Known as Youth Tour, the all-expenses-paid, seven-day trip to the nation’s capital inspires the talented, hard-working students who earn the opportunity to experience it.
The 70 students on this year’s trip were sponsored by 25 of Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives. Alexea Burroughs from Community Christian School in Norman, Jackson Caves from Amber-Pocasset High School, Caleb Coodey from Oklahoma City and Madison Smith from Blanchard High School represented OEC on Youth Tour in June. They were awarded the trip after successfully completing a presentation and application process.
“Every year this contest attracts the most ambitious and determined students in our territory,” said OEC CEO Patrick Grace of the Youth Tour winners. “We have the best and the brightest young leaders in Oklahoma, and I was honored to have them represent us this year.”
While in D.C., the students toured historic sites, attended a questionand-answer session with Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation and made new, lifelong friends. They also attended the national Youth Day with over 1,600 Youth Tour winners from around the country.
Stephanie Canida, OEC's manager of engineering services, joined the group as a chaperone after she was selected via an application process to serve with other co-op employees.
“It is incredible to watch the students evolve,” said Tory Tedder- Loffland, OEC education and outreach programs director. “They start in awe of their surroundings, but through experiences like meeting their representatives and witnessing their humanity and accessibility, the students grow to believe anything is possible for them.”
Among the highlights of the trip were visiting the monuments and touring Mount Vernon, the Holocaust Museum and the Newseum. For most of the students, the most special moment was the private tour of the Capitol building.
Oklahoma U.S. Congressman Markwayne Mullin continued his tradition of giving the Oklahoma Youth Tour group a private after-hours tour of the Capitol. Congressman Mullin guided the group through areas usually off limits, like the floor of the House of Representatives.
The young leaders returned with a newfound sense of purpose and appreciation, along with a host of new friends.
"I gained many valuable things: friendships, memories, connections and experiences," said Burroughs. "Everyone tells you this will happen, but you don't believe them until you experience it."
The purpose of Youth Tour is to give the students valuable insight into American history, while giving them the tools and the training necessary to succeed as young leaders in today’s ever-changing political climate.
"I was able to see firsthand how Oklahoma was represented," said Coodey. "Our representatives did a lot more than I thought."
Caves echoed Coodey's statement, saying "I enjoyed learning how our government works."
Both Coodey and Caves placed in the top 10 of the Youth Leadership Council selection, with Caves earning a spot in the top three.
In addition to personal growth, the relationships formed during this week often endure into college and beyond.
Newcastle High School English teacher Andrea Thomas accompanied the group as a chaperone and returned excited for the future of the students.
“To see the expression on the students’ faces as they saw the monuments and to hear the conversations about our country as a result of their experiences was absolutely refreshing.”
Congratulations to OEC's four well-deserved Youth Tour winners of 2019. More information will be announced this fall for those interested in entering the 2020 Youth Tour contest. Stay updated at www.okcoop.org/youthtour and by following @OECYouth on Facebook.
