Educational Youth Tour enlightens students
A trip of a lifetime is how the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Youth Tour is described by 47 rising high school seniors who visited Washington, D.C., from June 15-21. During this transformative tour of the nation’s capital, students immersed themselves in the country’s rich history, forming new friendships along the way.
JD Lowery, Arkansas Youth Tour coordinator and director of community and economic development for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), said, “Watching and interacting with students throughout the trip is always fulfilling. You can see the light bulbs turning on in their heads. You can tell they are eager to learn, and to watch them get to see, touch and feel history up close is extremely gratifying.”
In their own words, seven delegates shared their experiences on Youth Tour.

DAY 1
By Katherine Wright
Clarksville, Arkansas Valley Electric
Students gathered at the office of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas in Little Rock for the first day of Youth Tour with huge smiles. After lunch and orientation, we headed to the airport, where a ticketing issue occurred but was quickly resolved. A small group of students and chaperones took a separate flight through Charlotte, North Carolina, while the rest would remain on the flight to Dallas, Texas.
When the plane descended at night into D.C., we could see huge roads, the Potomac River and even a glimpse of the Capitol, all lit up. Everyone was smiling as we got our first glimpse of Washington, D.C.
When Emma Holmes of Rector (Clay County Electric) was asked about her experience being rerouted through Charlotte, she summarized it perfectly. “It was so crazy busy, like a remake of ‘Home Alone’ with people running through the airport trying to find our gate. But I got to know our little group more one on one.”
By 11 p.m., our two groups were safely reunited in Washington, D.C, where the adventure truly began, as everyone looked forward to the coming week.
DAY 2
By MaKayla Cook
Blytheville, Mississippi County Electric
The first day of touring started off by visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon. It was cool to see exactly how his house and property looked when he was alive, as well as getting to touch the very same handrail he touched while walking up the stairs in his house.
Washington’s home overlooks the Potomac River. It’s such a beautiful view! Mount Vernon consists of his home, a museum and gardens. He is also buried there with other family members.
Our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery, which was very sentimental to me, especially because it was Father’s Day. I’ve always wanted to see how the gravestones are spaced out perfectly in every direction.
It was so beautiful to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Montana Cook of Kirby (South Central Arkansas Electric) said, “Witnessing the changing of the guard has given me a new respect for the unknown soldiers all across the world.” Montana could not have said it better. We also got to see two back-to-back wreath ceremonies, which is rare.
Riding the Capital Ferris Wheel along the Potomac River was the perfect way to end our night, as well as see a beautiful sunset from way up high. We couldn’t have had a more perfect, adventurous and fun-filled day!

DAY 3
By Melanie McCoy
Scotland, Petit Jean Electric
The morning started by selecting one of our delegates to represent Arkansas on the Youth Leadership Council (YLC). Emma Tuberville of Camden (Ouachita Electric); Haydyn Friend of Salem (North Arkansas Electric); and Ty Thacker of Mena (Rich Mountain Electric) were chosen as finalists through an interview process, and each gave a speech to the delegates. After a vote, Emma was chosen as our YLC delegate.
Next, it was off to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. As we toured, the faces of my fellow delegates

turned coldly solemn. How could they not at the harsh reality of what the Jews of World War II went through? It was truly a tragedy. Some of our delegates met Ruth, a Holocaust survivor and museum volunteer, who told her story.
Landon Gatliff of Clinton (Petit Jean Electric) said, “It was definitely humbling. It was very solemn and serious, but I think it’s important that people see and remember it.”
The next museum was the International Spy Museum, a first-time visit for Youth Tour. It was filled with several interactive exhibits and a plethora of information about the grueling jobs of spies. The museum even has a collection of original cars from the James Bond movies. RJ Medford of Brinkley (Woodruff Electric) said, “I loved seeing the cars. That was the best part. I love cars.”
After visits to the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial, we ended the day with dinner on a Potomac River cruise boat. Haydyn Friend of Salem (North Arkansas Electric) said, “It was just so much fun. We got to go out to the top deck and watch the sunset, make new friends and share all the pins. It was just a great experience.”
Overall, it was another great day in D.C.!
DAY 4
By Emma Jane Nelson
Gurdon, South Central Arkansas Electric
We started the day taking a self-guided tour through the Library of Congress. A lot of knowledge, from the past to the present, found in one building is spectacular. It doesn’t stop at books, as you can find audio documentaries, photography, art and historical documentaries, too.
You can see the muses, influences, messages, inspiration and viewpoints of the creators from their times. Even the architectural beauty of the building is marvelous. Several of the delegates got library cards to the Library of Congress.
Kailee Branson of Mena (Rich Mountain Electric) said she loved “the reading room with all the intricate designs and pictures everywhere and the neat rows of all the desks.”
Kira Duncan of Gepp (North Arkansas Electric) said her favorite part was Thomas Jefferson’s library. “The books that he read himself were very fascinating. And the architecture of this place is very beautiful and nothing like I have seen before.”
The day continued with a visit to the U.S. Capitol. We met Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. John Boozman for a photo and a short visit. They told us what it’s like being senators, working for the government and for the people.
We then toured the Capitol, experiencing its fascinating architecture. We learned about monumental people from history as we passed their statues. It was so special to see the statue of Daisy Gatson Bates, Arkansas’ newest statue.
After a quick photo at the Supreme Court building, we ended the day watching a Washington Nationals baseball game. We enjoyed having a time to sit down and relax after a couple days of walking and touring.
DAY 5
By Aspen Farley
Russellville, First Electric
Wednesday was full of fun activities, and thanks to our amazing bus driver, Vincent, we were able to add an impromptu tour of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This is the oldest and most well-known part of town that was home to buildings dating back to the 1700s.
We made our way over to the Jefferson Memorial. I had only ever seen the monument from a screen or textbook, but none of that could prepare me for how incredible it really was. While a group of us gazed at the Jefferson Memorial, one of my fellow delegates and friend, Macey Chambers of Perryville (First Electric), said, “The architecture in the columns was impeccable, and it was amazing to see the monument of such an incredible leader.”
I was especially looking forward to the next stop at the National Archives because of the government class I took my junior year. It was a surreal moment when I was face-to-face with the original documents penned by our Founding Fathers. These documents hold so much significance for our country. It was Juneteenth on the day of our visit, and we were able to view the Emancipation Proclamation.
MaKayla Cook of Blytheville (Mississippi County Electric) said, “It was amazing to see the original documents from the beginning of our country. History came alive for me!”
The National Archives was such an inspirational place. After lunch, we were able to pick several of the Smithsonian Museums to visit. I chose to see the National Gallery of Art and National Museums of American and Natural History.
Finally, we attended the big Youth Day Rally with delegates from other states and presenters who taught us about the cooperative business model.
What a great way to end a fabulous day!
DAY 6
By Ty Thacker
Mena, Rich Mountain Electric
As I woke up on Thursday morning, I was excited and intrigued to see more of what this great nation’s capital had to offer. Our first stop was the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, where we saw the tribute to 184 people who died there during the Sept. 11 attacks.
Next was visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. As I approached the memorial, the statue of Dr. King really amazed me, and the quotes engraved on the stone reminded me of his lasting legacy and the continuing fight for civil rights.
After seeing the Franklin D. Roosevelt, Korean War, Lincoln and Vietnam War memorials, we made way our way to the iconic Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated. The theater holds a tremendous amount of history, and the exhibits really make the experience more fascinating. It really deepened my understanding of Lincoln’s impact and influence on all.
Then, we continued to the White House. Standing before this iconic symbol of America was a thrilling experience that I will never forget. The building and its historical significance was incredible, and it made me reflect on our great nation’s journey and the leaders who shaped it.
Damon Cruz of Mena (Rich Mountain Electric) said, “My favorite part of today was visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and seeing how much his impact changed the world we live in today.” He also said, “I would rate this trip a 10/10 because you get to learn more about our country, while also meeting new people from across the state and nation.”
I want to give my deepest gratitude to the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas for this remarkable opportunity and a life-changing experience that I will never forget.
DAY 7
By Lucas Salinas
Newport, Farmers Electric
Waking up on the last day of a trip is always hard when you know you have to leave, but it’s especially hard when it’s 4:30 a.m. Feeling like a horde of zombies, we piled onto our tour bus for the very last time. Once we arrived at the airport, we said our goodbyes to our beloved driver, Vincent.
Once we landed in Little Rock, we all rushed to see our loved ones for the first time in a week. No matter how amazing a trip is, you’ll always be ready to come home.
I would like to thank JD Lowery for keeping us organized, as well as for putting up with all of our shenanigans. You’re the best, JD! Finally, I would like to thank the electric co-ops that made this trip happen and this unforgettable experience possible.