La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), in partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), seeks high school juniors to participate as part of the National Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington D.C., set for June 6-14, 2018. Application deadline is Monday, Jan. 8. All high school juniors whose households receive electricity from LPEA are eligible to apply.
"The Youth Tour to Washington D.C. is unique to rural electric cooperatives across the country," said Mike Dreyspring, LPEA CEO. "Annually, LPEA and our sister co-ops select and sponsor high school juniors for this all-expenses paid experience. We encourage our local high school students to apply for this unique opportunity."
The Washington D.C. Youth Tour features an intimate look at the federal government and the nation's Capitol, including museum and monument tours, as well as interaction with Colorado's elected representatives. Social activities are also part of the adventure.
Area high school students Isaac Jordan of Ignacio, Collin Jackson and Sloan Mazur of Bayfield, and Jesse Laverty and Tate Hinger of Pagosa Springs represented LPEA as part of Youth Tour in 2017.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget," said Sloan Mazur. "I learned so much and made friendships and memories that will never leave me. For all of this, I am extremely thankful to LPEA and everyone involved in the National Rural Electric Youth Tour."
LPEA endeavors to sponsor one student from each municipality within its service territory - Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio. Home school students are eligible.
"To be considered, students must complete the D.C. Youth Tour application and submit it to LPEA, along with a 500-1,000 word composition addressing the 2018 topic, 'My Favorite Cooperative Principle,'" said Lonnie Tucker, LPEA communications coordinator, overseeing the Youth Tour application process. "We're very grateful for the support of teachers who offer their students this leadership opportunity. Teachers who support this program and submit at least 10 student entries receive a $50 classroom grant from LPEA."
Applications are available on the LPEA website, www.lpea.coop., from high school counselors, and at the LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs. For further information regarding the National Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington D.C., contact Lonnie Tucker at 382-3511 or ltucker@lpea.coop. LPEA also sponsors a leadership camp for juniors, and the deadline for that application is also on Jan. 8.
