Three outstanding students accompanied by a representative from Union Power recently visited our nation’s capital on the Washington Youth Tour, a week long leadership experience sponsored by electric cooperatives in North Carolina.

From June 10 through June 16, local high school students Nicole Conti, Averi Rorie and Maggie Thomas, (pictured at right, from left to right) along with Communications Specialist Ilissa Cunningham, joined 1,600 of their peers in Washington, D.C., to build leadership skills, understand the importance of civic involvement and community service, and tour the nation’s historic sites. When combined, various aspects of the trip provided a unique lesson that cannot be taught in any classroom. 

While in D.C., stops included the Smithsonian Museums, the American History Museum, Washington Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, and a trip down the Potomac on the Spirit of Washington.

In addition to taking in the sights of the nation’s capital, students gained perspective from local NC legislators on some of today's critical issues, like healthcare and opioid abuse, and their role as responsible, involved citizens. Everyone had the opportunity to engage with staff and members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Representatives Alma Adams, Ted Budd, G.K. Butterfield, Virginia Foxx, Patrick McHenry and Senator Thom Tillis. 

Cunningham said of the White House experience, “It was the highlight of the trip. Seeing all of America’s history in one place and being able to sit in a legislative session where our students voiced their concerns and opinions in such a mature manner was something that I will remember for a long time to come and hopefully, the students will remember for the rest of their lives.”