Harrison REMC was proud to send two students on the Indiana Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for students following their junior year in high school. Each summer, over 2,100 students spend a week in the nation’s capital exploring landmarks, meeting elected officials, and learning about civic duty. Indiana sent 60 students representing 26 member cooperatives.

Youth Tour began in 1957 following a challenge from Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who urged the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to send students to Washington, D.C., to witness the government in action. Following this, an Iowa cooperative sent 34 students in 1958, initiating the program. The initiative grew, with two states sending students in the following years. In 1964, the NRECA began coordinating the program and established a dedicated week for the event.

In June, Harrison REMC sent two students on this “once-in-a-lifetime” trip. Colby Pennington and Jacob Pike are both students at Floyd Central High School. Some of the highlights included the Flight 93 Memorial, the Gettysburg Battlefield, meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill, a tour of Arlington Cemetery, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and many, many monuments. 

Harrison REMC is honored to support opportunities like Youth Tour that inspire young leaders and broaden their understanding of our nation and their role within it. Colby and Jacob represented Harrison REMC and their community with pride throughout the trip, gaining experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Colby stated,
“I enjoyed meeting so many other students from around the state; it truly was a great experience.” Harrison REMC congratulates both students and looks forward to continuing its commitment to investing in the future leaders of our communities through programs like Youth Tour.

Cathy Racicot is the communications manager at Harrison REMC.