And the Winners Are...
I have often stated that the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., may be the most significant program we support. Yes, I am slightly biased, having chaperoned this event twice, but I have seen how this event has changed the lives of the participants. While I would like to take credit for starting the program at Vigilante Electric, that honor belongs to an adventurous young woman from Silver Star.

Before 2002, the Youth Tour was not on our cooperative radar. We knew about the youth tour, but we did but did not support it. Then, in this publication's May edition, a story appeared about the students selected to attend the Youth Tour in June. To our surprise, one of the students was from our service territory.
Melissa Hibbard submitted an essay that became one of the two statewide winners. Central Montana G&T sponsored her trip. Upon returning, the Board of Trustees invited her to discuss her trip. Her presentation was terrific, and after she finished, the board unanimously voted to sponsor a student for the 2003 tour. Since then, we have sent a spectacular group of individuals on this tour.
In 2025, Vigilante Electric will again send two participants. Students are selected based on an application and how they respond to an essay question. This year's question was: What was the most important event to have occurred in our nation during your lifetime? How did it affect you?
This year's participants are Savannah Nelson, the daughter of members Matt and Deanna Nelson, and a sophomore at Lima High School. The topic of her essay regarded the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our society. Our second participant will be Luke Wendt. Luke also attends Lima High School, where he is a junior. He is the son of members David and Keri Wendt. The topic of his essay was the societal impact of the southern border crisis.
The NRECA Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., is a fantastic program and an opportunity of a lifetime for participants. This weeklong adventure allows students from rural areas to learn about the U.S. government and history firsthand by visiting important landmarks, museums, and government buildings.
Students meet their elected representatives, which helps them understand the political process and the importance of civic participation. The tour nurtures leadership skills and personal growth by exposing students to new experiences and perspectives. Plus, participants meet peers from across the country, fostering connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.
We would like to congratulate and thank Savannah and Luke for applying for this opportunity, and we look forward to hearing about and reading about their adventure.