Local Students Visit D.C. – Youth to Washington Tour

Allison Jackson (left) & Grace Bartlett (right) meet with Congressman LaHood

Grace Bartlett of Rushville-Industry High School and Allison Jackson of Macomb High School represented McDonough Power Cooperative in Washington, D.C., during the annual “Youth to Washington” Tour, June 10-17. This event, sponsored by the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois since the late 1950s, is an introduction to our democratic form of government and cooperatives for rural youth.

The students met with Congressman Darin LaHood and were among 64 rural Illinois youth leaders selected for the trip. The Illinois students joined more than 1,691 young leaders from across the country. In addition to the Capitol, they also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington National Cathedral, several Smithsonian Museums, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the World War II Memorial, memorials to Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and Roosevelt, the National Archives, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the Newseum and a number of other historical sites.

Sophomores and juniors in high schools that are within the service area of McDonough Power Cooperative are eligible to participate in the annual program. To learn more about the “Youth to Washington” Tour go to www.youthtour.coop or www.facebook.com/ILYouthtoWashington.