Community

2020 Youth Tour canceled due to COVID-19

How PEC is making it up to these exceptional students

07.06.20

For more than 60 years, we’ve been proud to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour program. Each summer, our high school delegates join 1,500 students from electric cooperatives across the country on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Unfortunately, the 2020 Youth Tour trip had to be canceled due to COVID-19. In its place, all of our 2020 delegates, with the exception of our two seniors, will participate in next year’s trip. Because they are unable to attend, the seniors have been awarded a scholarship toward their continued educations in the amount equivalent to the cost of the Youth Tour trip.

PEC also hosted a virtual party for the 2020 delegates, where students gathered on a video call to build relationships, keep in touch, and play games. Each delegate received a gift package of snacks to enjoy on the call, and it was a great way for them to keep in touch.

Learn more about PEC’s two senior delegates below:

Danae BarkocyDanae Barkocy

Danae will attend Trinity University next year to study communications, and is considering a double major. “Even though I never got to fully participate in Youth Tour, I still really appreciated the opportunity to meet other passionate high schoolers from Central Texas,” she said. “I would highly encourage any current high schoolers to apply for next year’s tour.”

Ashlee ReedAshlee Reed

Next year, Ashlee is attending Abilene Christian University with plans to double major in political science and education. “Although I am saddened that I will not be able to participate in the Youth Tour, I am extremely thankful for the scholarship that PEC is providing seniors,” Ashlee said. “During the experiences I was able to have with PEC, I always felt welcomed and encouraged. Thank you!”

 

PEC wishes Danae and Ashlee all the best in the future as they continue their education and become leaders in our communities. We look forward to taking the rest of our delegates to Washington in 2021!