Want to be a part of Washington Youth Tour?

The 2013 Washington Youth Tour (WYT) is just around the corner and now is the time to secure your spot on the trip! All high school juniors are encouraged to participate by writing a short story with the theme, “Electric Cooperatives: iPower the future.” Twelve students will be awarded a week-long trip of a lifetime in the nation’s capital where they — along with the other 180-plus Tennessee delegates and 1400-plus representatives from across the country — will visit sites such as Monticello, Mt. Vernon, The Kennedy Center and Arlington Cemetery, just to name a few stops. The students will also have the opportunity to meet face to face with members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation on the steps of the United States Capital. To enter, students are required to write a short story, 900 words or less, titled “Electric Cooperatives: iPower the Future."

Complete details can be found in the WYT booklet. The 2013 WYT trip will be June 14-20. The entry deadline is February 25th and winners will be notified in April.

But wait, there is more! The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) will award scholarships valued at $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000 to the top short story trip winners. Winners of the TECA scholarships will be announced during the 2013 WYT.  Don’t just take our word for it, check out the speech below given by WYT 2012 alumnus Hannah Phillips at CEMC’s 2012 annual member meeting detailing her experience on the trip.

Hi! My name is Hannah Phillips. I am a senior at White House High School, and I was one of the twelve lucky participants that got to attend the Washington Youth Tour. First off, I would like to thank everyone who helped contribute to this trip. Whether you are a member, staff member, or director, I would like to say thank you. You have each contributed in some unique way.

When I walked in this morning, I was greeted with friends I didn’t know I had until Cumberland Electric provided me with the chance to attend this tour. On the day of departure, we had a brief introduction. Then, eleven other students and I boarded a bus, and headed to Washington D.C. for a life changing experience.

  Have you ever taken a personal tour of our nation’s capitol? Or seen how big the Lincoln Memorial actually is? Walked around Monticello where Thomas Jefferson actually lived? Or seen the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? These are all places we got to experience in Washington D.C.

  This year, I was chosen to participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For me, this was the biggest highlight of the trip because this was a once in a lifetime experience that I never would have experienced otherwise.   When I got home, the majority of my time was spent answering questions about my trip. This caused me to reflect on the entire trip, especially the small, minor details.  I was provided with this experience thanks to all the members, staff, and the board of directors. On behalf of the Washington Youth Tour participants, we cannot express how grateful we are for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you.