LPEA is proud to showcase the achievements of three outstanding high school juniors who represented our community at the June National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. This transformative experience embodies our commitment to nurturing future leaders and upholding our cooperative principle of community engagement.

Meet Our Exceptional Delegates

Selected for their leadership potential and academic excellence, these bright young minds shared their insights on this life-changing journey:

Ellie Casias, Durango High School: “The youth tour represented an opportunity to grow not only as a leader but as a person who wishes to make a difference in the world.”

Edward Herrera, Bayfield High School: "The youth tour allowed me to connect and interact with like-minded people. I discovered the inner workings of the electric rural cooperative world."

Aspen Salazar, Pagosa Springs High School: “The independence and adventures this trip brought me prepared me for my future. I experienced an opportunity that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Thank you, LPEA and CREA!”

Edward's D.C. Adventure: A First-Hand Account

Edward Herrera offered a captivating glimpse into his Youth Tour experience:

"I had an amazing time in Washington, D.C., and am so grateful for the opportunity to visit such an incredible city. The trip was unforgettable. Learning about rural electric policies and other issues in Colorado's landscape was very interesting, especially seeing how various policies impact small to large communities. Understanding the process from decisions made at United Power, Denver Capital, and Washington D.C. showed me the steps required to pass government policies. I realized how vital Co-ops are for rural areas and the importance of supportive policies.

Exploring the history of our nation and the Capitol, visiting monuments, and seeing documents that shaped our country were awe-inspiring. My favorite stop was the National Mall, where I roamed freely through Smithsonian Museums, particularly the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Finally, meeting people from all over the U.S. and exchanging state pins was a great icebreaker. Conversations with my core group from Colorado and Wyoming revealed common and unique issues we face. We had a great time, and I made new friends, some of whom are applying to the same colleges as me, possibly continuing these interactions into college."

A Legacy of Leadership

The Youth Tour, conceived by Senator Lyndon Johnson in 1957, continues to fulfill its mission of enriching young Americans' understanding of their national heritage and civic responsibility. Johnson's vision to send youngsters to the national capital "where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents" remains at the heart of this program.

Since its inception, the Youth Tour has offered students unparalleled opportunities to:

• Engage with fellow student leaders
• Explore the cooperative model
• Connect with state representatives
• Visit iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery

Join the Next Generation of Leaders

Applications for the next Youth Tour open in September, with selections made in February. We encourage all eligible students to seize this incredible opportunity to broaden their horizons and develop their leadership skills.

For more details, please visit the LPEA Youth Tour webpage. Let’s continue to support and celebrate these young leaders as they embark on this incredible journey.