Mixed Emotions Upon Return

Wow! Seriously, that is the only word that comes to mind when trying to think of how to describe this. I can remember the first day walking into my room first, not knowing what to expect when my roommates got there. When they finally did, they seemed alright enough, but nobody would speak to each other at all. I can't stand awkward silences. Not really knowing what to do, we just turned on the TV and got through the first night. Man did things change in the days leading up to coming back home. In the last few days it felt like we'd known each other forever. Not to mention, all the other friends I've made throughout the week and really hope I get to see again soon. Yes, I never thought I would come out of this missing anyone, but I truly already do. Hopefully I can find ways to keep in touch with everyone, so if you are reading this feel free to grab my email off my profile or something, oh and there is a Facebook group entitled "Missouri Youth Tour '08" that you should join. Anyway, I would like to thank all the other delegates, the cooperatives, and our chaperones: Mike, Jason, Christian, Heather, and the others for being so fantastic in providing us with the greatest experience we could have. This truly was "The Trip of a Lifetime," and I wish I could go back. Even though I can't, I'm never going to forget the things I've seen, nor the confidence I've gained meeting tons of new people.

Thank You Everyone For One of the Greatest Memories

Heading for home

Hard to believe, but this morning we pack up, leave our nation's capital behind and head back to the Show-Me State. Seems like we just got here. Yesterday was a great day on Capitol Hill; the delegates were able to meet their representatives and talk about issues that are important to them, such as energy prices and education. The group represented Missouri and our rural electric cooperatives well.

See everyone back home!

Lincoln & Jefferson

Last night we went to several memorials; it was absolutely amazing! They were all so much bigger than I could have imagined! It all makes me feel so small! I am just soaking up every second of it! I'll write more later!

FDR Quotes

I am a person who has always loved famous quotes. When we visited the FDR monument I spent the entire time just reading all the quotes. All of the quotes were amazing, beautifully written and very inspiring. This is a picture of me, beside an amazing quote. 

Witt named YLC representative

Alexandria Witt of Sullivan, has been named the 2008 Youth Leadership Council representative for Missouri. The announcement was made at the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., on June 16. 

Witt represents Crawford Electric Cooperative in Bourbon.

Alexandria will represent Missouri for the next year at National Rural Electric Cooperative Association functions, including the national conference in New Orleans next February.

Emily Brundick of Argyle, representing Three Rivers Electric, was runner-up for the honor.

WHITE HOUSE & Purple Shirts!!

After herding 84 kids, sweat dripping down our backs, the sun shining in our eyes we FINALLY managed to pull off a good shot in front of the White House. We are very proud of our "MANLY" guys for sporting our lilac Youth Tour t-shirts. Way to go guys!!! 

We also visited Iwo Jima Memorial, FDR Memorial, and the WWII Memorial. It was a very touching day. 

Sliders at the Zone

Sittin here with Sara James from Co-Mo and Ashley Perryman from Webster who just had their first-ever "sliders" at ESPN Zone in downtown D.C. After a few games, it's on to the White House and the National Cathedral.

Here's Sara's slider...deelisshhh!!

Arlington

We went to Arlington National Cemetery today. We visited JFK's grave site, along with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. JFK was one of the greatest presidents of all time, we know this from our history books. But being there really brought his story to life for me. it's one thing hearing about these people and places from textbooks, and quite another to see and experience it yourself. 

Here's a picture my roommate Tanner Stocum took at Arlington.

We're here!

The 2008 Youth Tour delegates have safely landed in Baltimore! We are now on the buses, headed to our hotel in Washington, D.C.  Lots of smiles from the "first time" flyers.  The bus drivers said they would swing by the Capitol to see it lit up at night.  Then it is on to the hotel for some late night pizza, and some sleep!  As the tour director, I can't thank our students enough for a great travel day!  What a great group! 

YLC finalists named

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives named the six finalists for the 2008 Youth Leadership Council representative. The six were announced at the Youth Tour Delegate Banquet, June 13, at the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City.

The six finalists include, from left:

Emily Brundick of Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, Sara Miller of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Alexandria Witt of Crawford Electric Cooperative, Heather Main of Macon Electric Cooperative, Ashley Perryman and Danielle White, both of Webster Electric Cooperative.

The finalists will undergo an interview process in Washington, D.C., where the final representative will be named.

We won!!!

Teaching first graders electricity!!!! 

Talk about fun ;-) 

we created a great power plant to send elec to our check-box house. Fully equipped with a magnet, coil, and wind-blown lines. We even had a sweet dog named josh. great name. His owner's name was Billy. Another great name lol

Mr. Mike gave a great little talk about elec coops after and we learned even more. 

He told us about how the coops create electricity. 

Had a great time. 

laughs all around 

My creation mates: Sarah Stokes, Jordan Hammond, Tessa McCormack, Taylor Walters, April Kiehl, Josh Kroese, Chris Riley

YT Delegates learn about co-ops

Right now, we're judging groups that have created models to explain how the co-op gets electricity gets to your home.  Each group had to explain the process as though they are talking to a first grade classroom. 

2008 Youth Tour kicks off

The Missouri Electric Cooperatives kicked off the 2008 Youth Tour on Friday, June 13, at the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City. Mike Marsch, director of member services for the Association of Missouri Electric Co-ops, welcomed 84 delegates from 27 cooperatives across Missouri. The students -- all seniors in high school -- got to know each other a little better through a icebreaker activity.

On Saturday morning, the delegates will learn more about electric cooperatives before packing up the buses and heading for St. Louis to catch a plane to Washington, D.C.

Check out the Lewis & Clark Plaza

Youth Tour Delegates,

When you get to Jefferson City on Friday for the 2008 Youth Tour banquet and orientation, be sure to take a few minutes and check out the brand new Lewis and Clark Monument Trailhead Plaza. It's just east of the Capitol building, and features five bronze statues depicting Lewis, Clark, York (Clark's slave), George Drouillard, the Corps of Discovery's French-Shawnee scout, and Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the corps.

The monument is on the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Ave. You won't be disappointed!

Tyler takes stage at NRECA Annual Meeting

Kailey Tyler, daughter of Jay & Kimberley Tyler of Willard, offered the invocation to begin the second general session at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's 66th annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., on Feb. 26. An alumna of the 2007 Youth Tour, Kailey was selected to represent Missouri on the NRECA's Youth Leadership Council.

As a member of the YLC, the senior at Willard High School provided assistance to the NRECA staff and co-op delegates; carried the Missouri State Flag in the Parade of States at the opening general session; and participated in a variety of educational activities. To learn more about the YLC's experience at the annual meeting, visit the group's blog. For more information on the 2008 Missouri Youth Tour, visit www.amec.org/YTsystems.html.