Four high school students represented Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) during the exclusive National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Noreen Ndonde of Albemarle County, Lincoln Stuart of Culpeper County, Maia Parks of Frederick County and Adrian Keyser of Spotsylvania County joined more than 1,800 students from across the nation for a fast-paced, educational week.
With a focus on leadership, civic engagement, U.S. history and the cooperative business model, students explored the nation's capital, built relationships with peers, received valuable behind-the-scenes access to our government in action, and learned more about how electric cooperatives serve their communities.
"The Youth Tour experience allows students to form meaningful connections, observe the inner workings of government and gain a better understanding of the value electric cooperatives bring to communities," said Casey Hollins, Managing Director — Communications and Public Relations. "Each year, students share how this experience has had a profoundly positive impact on their lives."
Participants visited historic landmarks, attended educational programs, met with congressional staff and took part in social events throughout the week. For REC's student delegates, highlights included meeting peers from across the country, trading state pins, taking part in the dinner boat cruise and hearing from speakers such as Mike Schlappi, a motivational speaker and wheelchair basketball player who has appeared in four consecutive Summer Paralympic Games.
"Before Youth Tour, Washington, D.C., was just something I learned in class. Being there in person, meeting new people and hearing different perspectives made everything feel real," Ndonde said.
During Youth Tour, Ndonde was selected as Virginia representative to NRECA's Youth Leadership Council (YLC). She will return to Washington, D.C., for an additional week of leadership training and will continue participating in virtual workshops throughout the year. YLC helps students strengthen their leadership and public speaking skills while learning more about the energy sector.
Applications for the 2027 Youth Tour will open in September. Rising high school seniors whose parents or guardians are member-owners of REC are eligible to apply. Students can learn more at myrec.coop/youthtour.
