For over 60 years, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives has been sending high school students to our nation’s capital for the NRECA Youth Tour. Each summer, nearly 40 Iowa high school students attend, including students selected by ECI REC.
“Youth Tour is the highlight of the summer for many students from Iowa, and we’re proud to be sending these bright young women to Washington, D.C., this year to participate,” said East-Central Iowa REC CEO Teresa Floyd. “These students will gain a firsthand understanding of the legislative process, visit the museums and monuments of D.C., learn about advocating on behalf of their communities, and make connections that will last a lifetime. Our youth are our future, and we can give them the tools they need to succeed in advocacy, government, and public service. We look forward to this year’s trip and continuing to be a sponsor of the Iowa Youth Tour tradition in the years to come.”
The 2024 event will take place June 15–21. In addition to touring, the Youth Tour students will participate in leadership training, engage in one-on-one conversations with elected officials, jump-start their national peer network, and learn more about electric cooperatives. Participants hail from all corners of the state, including one sophomore and one junior from ECI REC’s service area. This year, your Cooperative will be represented by Carlee Noe and Leadah Price.
Carlee Noe (left) is a sophomore at Independence High School and is the daughter of Wendy and Larry Noe of Rowley. She currently participates in tennis and bowling and serves as the at-large officer for FFA. Carlee is an honor roll student and has earned her Silver Cord.
Leadah Price (right) is a junior at Starmont High School and is the daughter of Michele Ross of Arlington. She participates in individual and group speech, plays, musicals, band, and choir. Leadah has lettered in both academics and music and has earned the Coach’s Commitment Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is a teacher’s assistant for freshman math. Leadah has participated in track, is an avid volunteer, and has worked many hours in the school concession stand.
Iowa’s electric cooperatives have sponsored high school students on this trip since 1958. Students apply and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperatives. Over 50,000 students have participated in the national Youth Tour program since its creation. For more information, visit www.youthtour.coop.