Lead D.C.

Youth Tour winners spend unforgettable week in Washington, D.C.

Four area teens recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., known as Youth Tour. The all-expenses-paid, seven-day trek through America's capital inspires hard-working students who earn themselves this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Oklahoma's electric co-ops sent 70 students and 11 chaperones to the capital to see the awe-inspiring monuments up close and personal in June. OEC's Youth Tour delegation included Justin Baker and Zoie Dunkleberger from Moore High School, Zoë Delheimer from Blanchard High School and Taehyun Hwang from Southmoore High School. After completing the three-part application, short presentation and interview, the students won the trip to D.C.

"At OEC, we're passionate about nurturing leadership and growth of students in our territory," said OEC CEO Patrick Grace. "We're proud to support these future leaders, knowing they'll make a big impact on our community and beyond."

In the capital, students toured historic sites and monuments, attended an interactive question-and-answer session with Oklahoma's congressional delegation and made life-long friends while learning what it means to be a youth advocate in their community. Students also attended Youth Day with over 1,500 other Youth Tour winners nationwide.

"There's nothing quite like seeing the sheer joy and amazement on the kids' faces as they explore the nation's capital," said Carrie Koesler, OEC community outreach associate. "Their curiosity and excitement are infectious, and it reminds us of the importance of fostering such opportunities for growth and learning."

Among a packed schedule, students visited Arlington National Cemetery, the National Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, Smithsonian museums and Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

One of Oklahoma's elected officials continued the tradition of giving the Oklahoma Youth Tour group a private after-hours tour of the Capitol. The official guided the group through areas little known to the public, like back staircases where crosses were carved into the structures and bullet holes from past skirmishes.

The young leaders came home with a newfound sense of purpose and appreciation.

"Watching our kids connect with our nation's history and seeing their transformation is heartwarming," Koesler said. "We hope these experiences give them the confidence and inspiration to take on leadership roles as they head into their senior year and the rest of their lives."

In addition to personal growth, the relationships formed during this week often endure into college and beyond.

"Sharing these incredible experiences with students from all over the state created bonds I'll never forget," Dunkleberger said. "Whether we were exploring historic sites or having deep conversations, we learned so much from each other and had a great time together."

Congratulations to OEC's four well-deserved 2024 Youth Tour winners. Stay tuned for information on the 2025 Youth Tour contest at okcoop.org/youthtour