What Did the Participants Say About Last Year's Trip?

The participants from last year were asked to rate these items on a one to five scale. Note: nothing averaged less than a 4.72!!!!

After the trip, we asked the students to share with us their thoughts. Below are a few of their short essays. 

America’s Bright Future

by Michael Syson of McNeal, Arizona

Although Arizona’s electric cooperatives are known for lighting our homes, their brightest idea may be sending high school juniors to Washington D.C. on the Washington Youth Tour. These students return looking much the same as when they left, but there is one major difference. They set out as individuals, not sure what to expect, and they return a week later a team, an informed group of leaders, changed by what they have experienced and what they have discovered. In one week these students explore the landmarks of American history, the battle for freedom, and the center of America’s legislature. These same students return with the knowledge and the incentive to step up in their schools and communities to make a positive difference.

Before this year’s Tour, we had no notion of how we could make a difference in our nation’s government. We come from rural high schools where we feel the distance between ourselves and our congressmen. We never considered how we might take our personal set of talents and skills to a larger stage, to a national level. The WYT showed us what we can do for our country. Arlington National Cemetery drove home the fact that freedom is not free; Thomas Miller, veteran of World War II, brought the story of Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima to life; and in the Congressional Insight Activity we explored politics at work. The Washington Youth Tour showed us that we can make a difference; we can make America’s future brighter.

A Lifetime Experience

by Anna Stockwell of Arivaca, Arizona

When Washington D.C. is mentioned in casual conversation everyone has different thoughts. Some think of the large city with its plethora of people in business suits, others think of dreaded politics, but those who have been on the Washington Youth Tour will only think of the unforgettable experience they had there.  The week myself and 33 other students spent in our nation’s capitol provided us all with a new prospective on American history and life. Whether we found our insight at a museum or a memorial, we all left D.C. with a new lesson learned.

Personally, I never thought of D.C. as more than a beautiful city and the heart of American politics, but as we toured the city and its outskirts my perspective quickly changed.  As I walked through Arlington, I was astonished at the sheer number of headstones. It then occurred to me these brave men and women resting on this hallowed ground had put their lives on the line to protect all the freedoms I daily take for granted.  Then again while walking along the Vietnam Memorial my vision became blurry as I realized how many lives were lost protecting what America stands for. The fact so many were willing to give so much in the name of freedom and honor instilled a sense of patriotism in me that I had never before experienced.

The Washington Youth Tour cannot be rivaled by any other trip I have previously taken to the Capitol.  In the most cliché of terms, it was a once in a lifetime experience.

From Arizona to Washington D.C

by Samantha Edmiston of Pomerene, Arizona

“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.”  The Sulfur Springs Valley Cooperative (SSVEC) and other electric cooperatives have recognized the gravity of Pearl Buck’s words.    The Washington Youth Tour (WYT) program took thirty-three Arizona teenagers, including two California teenagers, ‘back in time’ to Washington D.C. where we gained a new perspective and understanding of our nation’s history, experiencing it firsthand.  The WYT has opened many new doors for me and for many of the other students that participated in the trip.  I learned that there are many internship opportunities and other career options that will enable me to become a part of my nation’s central governmental body.

I experienced the upper East Coast for the first time in my life and, although seemingly insignificant, I saw fireflies and their glowing orbs of light flicker for the first time in my eye’s sight.  You would be surprised at how many of the WYT teenagers felt the same sense of amazement.  I am now more informed at how powerful my voting can be within my country, because every single vote makes a difference.  This was an experience that will last a life time; the friendships, knowledge, and memories will always be with me.  Those memories are something that even the tolls of time and age cannot ever erase.  I can share my new knowledge and memories with those around me, spreading the word of the importance of keeping programs like the WYT thriving.

Friendships Never Be Forgotten

by Samantha Everleth of Sierra Vista, Arizona

The opportunities which I was granted while I toured our nation’s capital were not only numerous, but also those which I will continue to share and reminisce for a lifetime. I would like to begin by expressing my most sincere gratitude to the co-op who sponsored the trip, and the other countless people who made the trip possible for myself and the other participating youth.

While the trip provided us with many important opportunities, I will only touch upon few. I personally feel as though one of the most altering aspects of the trip was the people who accompanied me. Being somewhat shy, I feared the idea of traveling across the country with complete strangers. While this was an initial fear, my negative thoughts subsided upon meeting my peers. I began to learn about new regions, lifestyles, and in turn have created friendships which will undoubtedly never be forgotten.

Aside from this, the trip allowed myself and the other Washington Youth Tour students to learn about our nation’s origins and how it has come to grow into the great empire which we so proudly represent today. To see such historical locations such as Fort McHenry - where our flag unwaveringly endured a battle to alter history - Or the memorials of our fallen soldiers which have - and continue to - defend “The land of the free and the home of the brave” can never be erased from my mind.

The trip allowed me to visit places which many will never see in their life, to develop friendships that will be with me forever, and most of all, to grow both as a citizen, and a student.

The Intimacy of History

by Justine Bacchaus of Sahuarita, Arizona

I’m fascinated with history, but I can’t say that this past year I particularly enjoyed my grueling A.P. U.S. History class. Little did I know I’d be in debt to those hours of enlightenment after the adventure of a lifetime in Washington D.C. Looking at works like Paine’s Common Sense in the Library of Congress, searching for Earl Warren’s bust in the Supreme Court building, and seeing the documents that shaped our great nation in the Archives building, I couldn’t help but be grateful that I could appreciate every aspect of our history and use my enthusiasm to inspire other students on the trip.

Thirty-four students were fortunate to be sponsored by electric cooperatives of Arizona to attend a program designed by Lyndon Johnson so that young leaders can learn about government. Undoubtedly, every single one I befriended will become a great leader in their own way.

I realized how blessed I was to have gone on this trip on Independence Day; I felt true pride seeing fireworks, knowing all that they symbolize, and feeling it – recalling how powerful it was to trace of my cousin’s name on the Vietnam Memorial, how awe-inspiring it was talking to the humble man who fought at Iwo Jima and survived the Pearl Harbor attack, and watching the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery.  All my knowledge of our history came to life before my eyes - and reminded me just how proud I am to be an American.