Three students took the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C., as part of the Indiana Youth Tour. Bradley Irzyk, a student at North Judson-San Pierre High School, and Nigel Thompson and Kaitlan Dorman, both students at Knox High School, had the chance to visit the nation’s capital, learn about government, experience American history, and discover more about electric cooperatives and how they work. Best of all, the week-long adventure was fully sponsored by KV REMC, so there was no cost to the students.
Youth Tour is packed with unforgettable experiences, and each student found something special about their time in Washington. “I enjoyed visiting Washington’s house; it was amazing seeing the style from back then and all the fake bricks,” recalled Kaitlan. Whether it was exploring historic sites or discovering the stories behind them, the trip left a lasting impression.
Students visited the Flight 93 Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, National Museum of the Marine Corps, and Smithsonian museums.
They also toured the National Mall memorials and spent time on Capitol Hill, where they met with Senator Todd Young to ask questions and share their thoughts on a variety of issues.
For students who might be unsure about applying to the Indiana Youth Tour, the advice is clear: “I would tell them to go for it,” said Bradley. “It changed my life and is only a one-time opportunity. You only live once, so don’t cut yourself off from opportunities that you may regret not going to later.” Nigel echoed this encouragement, “I would encourage them to take the leap and apply. The trip gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and experience things you may never have the chance to see otherwise. Even if you’re unsure at first, it can be a rewarding experience that helps you grow and create lasting memories.”
If you’re considering this opportunity and will be a high school junior during the 2026-2027 school year, watch for trip details at kvremc.com in December.
Kankakee Valley REMC sponsored local students Nigel Thompson (left), Kaitlan Dorman, and Bradley Irzyk to attend the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. where they visited historically significant sites such as the Marine Corps War Memorial (bottom).
