The Government-in-Action Youth Tour is often called the trip of a lifetime, and it never disappoints. For six local students, the 2022 trip was a life-changing experience.
Anzlee Hale of Ira, Taylor Moore of Roby and Tylee Jo Bevel of Stamford were selected as Big Country Electric Cooperative’s annual Youth Tour contest winners to represent us in Washington, D.C. After additional places on the trip were donated by Concho Valley and Bluebonnet electric cooperatives, runners-up Tres Spencer of Roby, Kenley Cox of Haskell and Cooper Wheat of Haskell were able to join in.
Tres Spencer, center, and other wreath-laying participants with a member of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery.
Texas Youth Tour participants at the U.S. Capitol.
Beginning June 12 in Austin, the 123 Youth Tour participants from all over Texas were treated to tours of the Texas State Cemetery and state Capitol before boarding a flight to Washington for an action-packed seven days. The students visited sites such as Smithsonian Institution museums, the National Cathedral, Mount Vernon, the Kennedy Center, and multiple memorials and monuments. They also got to meet on Capitol Hill with elected officials who took the time to answer questions and share a wealth of information. Arlington National Cemetery is always a sacred place to visit, and our own Tres Spencer was among those selected for the great honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
When the trip concluded June 21 and the goodbyes were said, students who were perfect strangers only 10 days prior left as friends for life. BCEC is proud to provide this opportunity for youth in our area, and hope that you will encourage others to participate in our contest for a spot on the 2023 Youth Tour for the trip of a lifetime!
