Prairie Land Electric Cooperative has selected six area students for a trip of a lifetime.
On Feb. 16, 2020, students arrived at our headquarters in Norton to test and interview for an all-expense-paid trip to either Washington, D.C., or Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Applicants met with last year’s Youth Tour winners to learn about their experiences and ask questions about the trips. This year’s winners were selected based on the applicant’s written tests and personal interviews.
Alex Dart, Tessa Hauser and Lauren Schmitt were chosen to attend the 2019 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour trip in Washington, D.C., from June 18-25. They will join approximately 1,800 high school juniors from across the nation to learn more about their government and tour world-famous landmarks in and around Washington, D.C., including stops at the Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial and many more. The youth will also have the opportunity to meet with their local legislators.
Olivia Carter, Kalli Moore and Hunter Woodyard were chosen to attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Colorado, July 10-16, where they will join other students from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming. On their trip, they will learn more about cooperatives, rural electrification, leadership, energy and safety.
Campers will tour Craig Power Plant, one of the largest electrical generating plants in the United States, and Trapper Mine, where coal is mined to fuel three Colorado generation plants. Throughout the week, campers will also enjoy a special banquet, campfires, games, swimming, dancing, rafting on the Colorado River and shopping in Steamboat Springs.
Prairie Land Electric has sponsored students for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour trip since 1968, and the board of trustees added the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in 1977. Over the years, many outstanding high school juniors have participated in these all-expense-paid trips and consider them life-changing opportunities to learn more about the cooperative difference and our government, build new friendships and increase their leadership skills.
The board of trustees of Prairie Land Electric congratulate Alex, Hunter Kalli, Lauren, Olivia and Tessa. Thank you to all the students who participated in the contest.