Annually, Indiana Electric Cooperatives provide Hoosier high school students with an opportunity to visit the nations capital. This experience gives students firsthand insight into how our government functions. Students visit historical sites that celebrate our nations history. They learn about the complexities of todays electric utility industry while discovering the unique characteristics of cooperative business enterprises, and they meet student peers from around the country!

Students participating in the 2025 trip will visit the Flight 93 Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, Arlington National Cemetery, National Museum of the Marine Corps, and Smithsonian museums. The delegation will also tour the National Mall memorials, take a night cruise on the Potomac River, and much more.

Hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Indiana Youth Tour students will participate in an event on Capitol Hill, where they will meet with Indianas congressional delegations to ask questions and share their thoughts on a variety of timely issues.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for students,” said Cathy Raderstorf, CEO. “CW REMC is honored each year to provide this trip to deserving students in our service territory. This years attendees will represent Indiana and our cooperative well.”

AN ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL TRIP

Attending Youth Tour is especially meaningful for Clayton Duff of Delphi Community High School. I will be the third generation of my family to be selected to be part of Youth Tour, said Duff. My grandfather, Phil Martin, and my mother, Suzann Duff, attended when they were eligible.

The son of Adam and Suzann Duff of Camden, Duff is beyond excited to have this opportunity. I have never been to Washington, D.C., said Clayton. I look forward to seeing all the monuments in our nations capital and am excited to meet with students from Indiana and other states.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Carroll White REMC for sponsoring this incredible trip and giving back to the youth in our area, stated Duff. This is an opportunity to broaden my perspective and build lasting, impactful relationships. Thank you for making this possible. Im honored.

At Delphi Community High School, Duff is an active Future Farmers of America (FFA) member. He served as president in 2024, green hand vice president in 2023, ag association rep in 2024, livestock judging from 2020 to present, beef production SAE, beef production proficiency 2nd in District V in 2024, and extemporaneous public speaking leadership development event from 2022 to 2025. Duff also received a Hoosier Degree at the 2025 State Convention.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, serving as president in the 2024-2025 school year.

Duff has been a member of Carroll County 4-H since 2017. He has competed in beef for nine years, sheep for eight years, shooting sports for nine years, and electric remote pulling trucks (1/10 scale) for nine years.

He has been a member of the Carroll County Junior Leaders since 2022, serving as president since 2024, vice president in 2023, exhibit board rep in 2022, ag association rep since 2024, chaired Veterans Dinner from 2022 to 2024, and Area 8 4-H camp counselor since 2023. He also participated in mini 4-H days since 2022, showmanship clinic since 2023, and first-year 4-H member training in 2023 and 2024.

Duff plans to pursue a degree in ag business management. While at college, he wants to join the livestock judging team and compete nationally.

VISITING WASHINGTON FOR THE FIRST TIME

Madyson Anderson, the daughter of Jana and Aaron Anderson of Delphi, is a student at Delphi Community High School and a member of the Carroll White REMC Junior Board of Directors.

Being on the Junior Board, I was made aware of the Youth Tour opportunity, said Anderson. Our family planned to visit Washington, D.C., right before COVID, so that trip didnt happen. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to go to Washington for the first time.

I am most interested in learning how the electric industry interacts with politicians and legislators to make sure the laws passed benefit their members-consumers, said Anderson. I am also very interested in learning about our nations capital and seeing the museums and historical landmarks. I am most looking forward to seeing the Lincoln Memorial. I would like REMC members to know that I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend Youth Tour.

Being a REMC Junior Board member has given me a fantastic experience, reflected Anderson. I have gained valuable leadership and communication skills from this opportunity. I understand the process of sitting on a board of directors, which will benefit me in the future.

Youth Tour will enhance Andersons Junior Board experience. The networking with students from around the country will benefit my future, said Anderson. It will help with my communication skills and broaden my knowledge about government.

At Delphi Community High School, Anderson participates in softball, SADD, student council, Agape, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, POMS, and Varsity Dance. She is a member of the Blaze Travel Softball organization and Carroll County 4-H.

Upon graduation, Anderson plans to attend college and law school. She would like to become a family attorney.

A ONCE-IN- A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

Jayla Justice is a Delphi Community High School student and the daughter of Jeremiah Justice of Delphi.

I have never been to Washington before, said Justice. I am interested in learning about the government. I am most excited to see our countrys leaders and look forward to learning the details about the decision-making process for laws. This trip is a once- in-a-lifetime experience that I will not forget.

I want to thank Carroll White REMC members and let them know that I am very grateful to be selected for this trip, stated Justice. I cant wait to meet other students and learn about their lives. I hope to gain insights about the government to help me better understand my future career. Justice plans to become an attorney.

At Delphi Community High School, Jayla is a member of the National Honor Society, the Bring Change 2 Mind Club, and Book Club. She plays tennis and manages the boys tennis team. In her free time, she likes to read books and watch baseball, especially the Cincinnati Reds.