Youth Tour shows WEC’s commitment to future

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Apr 14 2021 5:13 PM

HARTFORD: Ten of the area’s brightest high school juniors formed deeper bonds while learning key lessons about America’s history and government during Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s
Youth Tour event Monday.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association initiated the Youth Tour program in the late 1950s,
offering chances for the nation’s youth to learn about the governmental process and U.S. history through
trips to Washington, D.C. State cooperative associations like the Alabama Rural Electric Association of
Cooperatives followed suit and created localized versions that increased the value of the program.
WEC has annually sponsored students for both the Montgomery and Washington, D.C., tours and
remains committed to the ideals of the Youth Tour and investing in future generations.

“The Youth Tour program is a tremendous experience for the 10 students we annually send to
Montgomery and those selected to go to Washington, D.C.,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC chief operating
officer. “It is vital for our nation’s health that the next generation understands our historical foundations
and how our governmental processes work. This information will make them more effective leaders.”
Just like on previous Youth Tours, legislators discussed governmental processes and today’s issues with
the 10 participants.

Students learned about Alabama government from local legislators Sen. Donnie Chesteen and Reps.
Paul Lee and Jeff Sorrells and gained insight about the federal government from U.S. Rep. Barry Moore.
The legislators also offered advice on leadership and life.

Several presenters focused on the roles electric cooperatives play in rural communities today and their
importance to the fabric of our nation’s history, while Melanie Hill, Southeast AlabamaWorks! program
manager, discussed leadership development tactics.

Each delegate also received a $1,500 scholarship to help with future educational expenses and had the
chance to network with students from other schools.

“The Youth Tour is always a fun event for area juniors, and we are proud that our board of trustees voted
to supplement the valuable lessons and friendships formed here with the scholarships,” says Jennifer
Ward, WEC manager of communications and public relations.

Delegates this year were Collier Bradshaw and Alex Hall of Geneva County High School; Ragan
Jimmerson of Northside Methodist Academy; Emily Pologruto of Providence Christian School; Reid
Holland, Lottie Lewis, Laura Kate Meadows and Ashley Morsey of Rehobeth High School; Braxton
Brooks of Samson High School; and Clay Smith of Slocomb High School. All delegates are dependents
of WEC members.

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