White River Valley Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Winners Return
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WRVEC Youth Tour Delegates with Missouri State Representative Billy Long. Pictured beside Mr. Long to his left is Heath Stark (Branson). Pictured far right of the photo is Lyllian Puckett (Bradleyville).
Branson, MO – During the week of June 13-21, high school students participated in Missouri’s 59th annual Missouri Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. WRVEC sponsored delegates Heath Stark (Branson), Lyllian Puckett (Bradleyville), and Robin Schofield (Lutie).
The 59th annual Youth Tour returned to its roots in Washington, D.C., where the delegates spent the week immersed in the history, politics, and culture of the United States capitol.
“I think what impacted me most about the trip was seeing everything that so many Americans have given their life to protect.” Said Lyllian Pucket, WRVEC delegate from Bradleyville. “I gained more pride in my nation than I had before, and I strive to preserve the America that so many fight for.”
Highlights of the trip included visits to the MLK Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, International Spy Museum, and historic Mt. Vernon. Students also visited Arlington National Cemetery where they witnessed the changing of the guards. The WRVEC representatives even had the opportunity to meet with Missouri State Representative Billy Long.
Youth Tour offers local students the opportunity to learn firsthand what it’s like to be involved in politics and serve their communities. The contest is held annually by the Cooperative and consists of perspective delegates writing and presenting an essay to a panel of judges and completing a brief quiz. Youth Tour is open to students who live and attend school in White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s five-county service territory, or who have WRVEC service in their homes. Submissions for the 2023 program will be accepted January 15-February 28, 2023. For more information about the Youth Tour program, visit https://www.whiteriver.org/community/youth-programs/youth-tour/
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White River Valley Electric Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative dedicated to ensuring our members receive safe and reliable service in their homes and businesses across five southwest Missouri counties including Ozark, Taney, Stone, Christian and Douglas.