Representing Decatur County REMC, South Decatur High School junior Stefani Baker and Jac-Cen-Del junior Audrey Huffmeyer attended the 2009 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C.

Now in their 48th year, the Indiana electric cooperatives have hosted the Youth Tour annually. The program gives hundreds of young Hoosiers the opportunity to visit the nation’s capitol to learn more about government and electric cooperative. This year’s all-expenses paid tour began on June 12 with an examination of the statehouse and an orientation program in Indianapolis and ended in the same place on June 19.

Students were selected after filling out applications, and hand-picked for their community involvement, extra-curriculars and academic achievements, program coordinator and REMC corporate relations manager Tammie Spurlock said.

“It’s such a good opportunity,” she added. “It really is a full week for these kids.”

According to Don Schilling, general manager and CEO of Decatur County REMC, the Indiana delegation was comprised of 74 students from all over the state, each selected by a local electric cooperative. This year, almost 1,500 students from across the country were in Washington D.C. for the four-day conference.

“Decatur County REMC is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity for our local students,” Schilling explained. “It’s a great trip and a wonderful chance to see the sights, make new friends and learn how everyone, including young people, can make a difference in the political process.”

On the way to the country’s capitol, students were invited to visit the historic Gettysburg battlefield and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Touring Gettysburg was Baker’s favorite part of the trip, she said.

While in Washington D.C., the delegates visited sights like Arlington National Cemetary and the Lincoln Memorial. They also were able to stop at the Vietnam Memorial and many of the city’s famous museums.

During the Youth Tour Rally, students learned from a character portrayal of U.S. Sen. George W. Norris, enacted by Nebraska State Sen. David Landis. Norris spearheaded the legislation that led to the founding of electric cooperatives. The event’s keynote speaker was four-time Olympic medalist in USA Men’s wheelchair basketball, Mike Schlappi. "You don’t have to stand up to stand out,” he said.

The trip highlight was a visit to Capitol Hill, where Indiana delegates were honored with visits from members of Indiana’s congressional contingent including U.S. Representatives Brad Ellsworth and Joe Donnelly. A representative from Congressman Steve Buyer’s staff also spoke to the students.

Spurlock noted that she hopes the program will continue.

“I’m just tickled that we are able to do this,” she said.

Baker encouraged others her age to enter the REMC’s program to gather the same experiences, learning and fun that she had.

“It was a really great experience,” Baker said.