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44 states. 341 state staff & chaperones. 44 bus drivers. 1,659 delegates. 2,061 individuals representing Rural America in our nation’s capital. 

West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) Youth Tour program participants visited Washington, D.C. June 16-21. LaRae Baxter, Malone School, and Joseph Smith IV, Sneads High School, represented WFEC as its Youth Tour delegates on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

While in Washington, the students learned first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, how our government operates and about how and why electric co-ops were formed. The students also visited many monuments and memorials including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Memorial, World War II Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, the Iwo Jima Monument and many more. They also visited many of D.C.’s famous museums, including the Holocaust Museum, other important landmarks, Mt. Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery.

“We were able to visit the Holocaust Museum, which was an eye-opening experience. It made me realize how bad it was during that time, and how lucky I am to live how and where I live,” said LaRae Baxter.

“The MLK Memorial really moved me. The sheer size of his statue really replicates all that he did; it felt like he was right there when you look up at him. The Holocaust Museum was also impactful. It really opens your eyes to everything that happened and makes you question what could’ve been done to prevent that period in history and efforts to prevent something like that in the future,” said Joseph Smith.

Youth Tour representatives also had the chance to participate in Youth Day, where they heard motivational speaker, Paralympic gold medalist and author, Mike Schlappi speak. He shares with our future leaders how he overcame challenges from an accident that left him paralyzed and in deep despair to become a successful athlete, author and speaker. He is the founder and director of the Wheelchair Sports Foundation, providing sports and recreational opportunities for disabled athletes.

“One of things I enjoyed most was the NRECA Youth Day. All of the delegates from the 44 states attended this event. The energy in the room was intense. Every state had different cheers to do, pins to trade, and people to meet. It was such a lively experience. During this event we listened to a speaker who had an incredibly moving and motivating story,” said Baxter. “The trip to Washington DC was one of the most memorable trips I’ve been on. You see pictures and movies that depict these historical places, but they do them no justice when you have seen them in person. To see these things that hold so much history is an amazing experience. The greatest thing was being able to experience it with other kids from all over Florida. The connections and friendships I have made will last a lifetime. From walking 15 miles a day, to exploring museums, to dancing the night away on a river boat cruise. We did it all together!” she continued.

“Words can’t even describe the feeling I had on the trip. I was around so many people that were just as enthusiastic as me to be there. It was an amazing time for all of us, and even though I traded contacts and have
talked to them since, I already miss them. In addition, Washington D.C. is amazing and always full of life; I will definitely have to come back again. I would like to thank my school for the opportunity and West Florida Electric for the scholarship and this unforgettable experience. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Smith.

Youth Tour is open to all high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Each high school within WFEC’s service area selects a representative for the State Youth Tour each year. The selected representatives then go on to compete for the slots available for the National Youth Tour trip. If you’ll be a junior during the 2024-2025 school year, see your school’s guidance counselor for more info about the Youth Tour program or contact Candace Croft, Comms & PR Coordinator by emailing ccroft@westflorida.coop.