Madeline Benbenek and Abigail Roscher will get to spend a week in Washington, D.C., this summer on a trip that seasoned tourists would envy, thanks to Fayette Electric Cooperative.
Through the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, an annual program sponsored by electric cooperatives nationwide, Madeline and Abigail will join 147 fellow Texans for this trip of a lifetime June 6 – 15.
Madeline is a senior at La Grange High School and is the daughter of Joseph and Pamela Benbenek. Abigail, a junior at La Grange High School, is the daughter of Glen and Margaret Roscher. Felix Ortiz, Jr., son of Felix and Arcelia Ortiz was selected as the alternate. He is a senior at Bellville High School.
The 2018 winners were selected based on their community involvement, academic achievements, details shared in five persuasive essays, and a live interview with an independent panel of judges.
“Washington, D.C. is one of the very few places an American can go and see the past, present and future of their country in one spot, and it will be incredible to experience it” said Madeline Benbenek.
The program evolved from an idea of then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, an advocate of rural electrification and youth supporter, who inspired cooperatives to send area students to the U.S. capital to see their American heritage and government at work. Since 1965, electric cooperatives in Texas have participated in the nationwide program, coordinated by Texas Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association. More than 4,000 Texas students have gone on the trip since its inception.
Abigail Roscher said, “I believe that each and every American should have the opportunity to go and see our nation’s capital and visit with the representatives that are their voice in our government.”
The events kick off in Austin, where students tour the Capitol, visitor center and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Next, the students fly to Washington, D.C., and begin a whirlwind tour of the nation’s capital, visiting the Washington National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Smithsonian Institution, memorials and more. Activities include learning about rural electrification, seeing a performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, going on a Potomac River boat cruise with dinner and dancing, and meeting elected officials.
The trip lasts a week, but the memories and friendships last a lifetime.
“Not only are we exposing students to the sights and sounds of our nation’s capital, we are educating youth about the role of electric co-ops in the national economy, and fostering their appreciation for our democratic form of government,” said Gary Don Nietsche, Fayette Electric Cooperative’s general manager. “The Youth Tour is helping to develop the next generation of leaders for our rural communities.”
For more information about the Texas Youth Tour, visit TexasYouthTour.com, find the Texas Youth Tour Alumni page on Facebook or contact Fayette EC for a copy of the Youth Tour magazine.