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2025 Youth Tour Recap

The opportunity of a lifetime!

We sent several members’ high school students to the annual National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. last month for a week of:

  • Educational seminars
  • Exploring Washington, D.C.’s monuments and museums
  • Meeting with our state’s congressional delegation
  • Learning how electric co-ops operate 
We asked Allie Allred (far right) and Reagan Martens (second from right) to tell us a little bit more about their experience on Youth Tour. 

What was your favorite part of the trip?

Allie – My favorite part of the trip was definitely seeing all of the amazing and important buildings all throughout DC. Specifically seeing the outside and inside of the capitol building was definitely a highlight. I loved seeing all of the history of our country and how far we have come, such as how our congress has to expand to bigger rooms because our country was growing so fast! There are so many more things I could talk about but the one thing that I would also say was my favorite was visiting the library of congress the inside of the building was beautiful while seeing Thomas Jefferson’s library was absolutely incredible!

Reagan – My favorite part of the trip was either visiting the National Cathedral or our Nation’s Capitol. 

The National Cathedral was beautiful and it was truly impressive. 

As for the Capitol, it was truly eye-opening and a great opportunity to hear from congressional staff members, whose insights offered a valuable glimpse into their careers, as well as the government and ideas relevant to me.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned?

Allie – The most valuable thing I learned from this trip was to just enjoy what was happening around you and also to recognize that everything around you took a very long path to get to you. Not only did the buildings and country take a long path to get to where they are now but also electricity. This trip really opened my eyes to seeing how everything around me, no matter how simple such as even using a phone took a long time to create and a took a long path just to get to me.

Reagan – The most valuable lesson I learned was that it is very important to create relationships and build connections. Talking about leadership and communication was a very beneficial lesson for me.

I also learned that it is possible and important to get involved, especially in our rural communities! 

What would you say to other students who might be interested in attending the Tour in the future?

Allie –I would tell other students who want to attend this to do it and take a risk! 

This trip was out of my comfort zone but it was so much fun and I have created several new friends because of this amazing trip. The places that you are able to go and see is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Isla – Do it! I highly recommend this trip, regardless of whether you are interested in political science or the sciences, this trip is of great value.  

The experience exposes you to many different and important perspectives as well as leadership, local engagement, and the vital roles of rural communities. It is truly a special and unique opportunity to grow and learn. 

Anything else you would like to share?

Allie – This was an incredible trip and I was so sad to see it end, but so excited for everyone else in the future who are able to have this amazing experience! 

Thank you to all of Holy Cross Energy. You guys definitely opened several new doors for me!

Isla – I’m so glad that I went on this trip and that I had this opportunity. Truly this trip was a great experience and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to explore and learn. 

I believe that I gained knowledge and experiences that I will carry with me throughout my life.