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Aiken Electric Cooperative sponsors four students on Washington Youth Tour

 Four local students were among more than 1,500 high school seniors visiting Washington, D.C., in June for the 42nd Rural Electric Youth Tour, sponsored by Aiken Electric Cooperative and hundreds of other electric cooperatives across the country.

 Jimmy Bass of Aiken High School, Elizabeth Furtick of Wiliston-Elko High School, Savannah Harris of Midland Valley High School and Kelci Barr of North High School were sponsored by Aiken Electric Co-op to attend the all-expenses-paid Washington Youth Tour. The students were selected on the basis of their academic achievements, school activities, community service and a personal interview.

 “Aiken Electric is proud to offer these extraordinary students the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.,” said Gary L. Stooksbury, Aiken Electric Cooperative CEO. “The Youth Tour provides a great way for our future leaders to learn about government and electric cooperatives. By investing in these students, we believe we are investing in the future of our communities.”

 Each year, the entire national Youth Tour delegation converges on the steps of the nation’s capital to meet their state representatives. Here the students met U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint as well as Rep. J. Gresham Barrett and Rep. James Clyburn.

 South Carolina’s electric cooperatives have sponsored the Washington Youth Tour since 1964. The trip is designed to educate students about our nation’s capital, the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the value of the cooperative way of business. The students return home with a greater appreciation of our nation’s leaders, a respect for the beauty of Washington, D.C. and friendships that will last a lifetime.

 “I saw many things that I am sure I will never be able to see again thanks to Aiken Electric Cooperative,” Jimmy Bass stated. “ This was a once in a lifetime experience filled with knowledge, great memories and priceless friendships.”

 In addition to receiving an educational travel opportunity, Youth Tour winners also are eligible to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship and a slot on the Youth Leadership Council, made up of one delegate from each of the 47 states where electric cooperatives are located.

 This year, the South Carolina students visited the Jefferson Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “These are just a few of the things that gave me a stronger sense of pride to be an American,” Bass said after seeing these and many other historical sites.

 All high school juniors whose primary residence is served by Aiken Electric Cooperative are eligible to apply for the Youth Tour’s four positions. Applications for the 2009 Youth Tour will be available in January 2009 at area high schools, on Aiken Electric’s website at www.aikenco-op.org, at Aiken Co-op offices or by calling (800) 922-1262.

 Aiken Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned, nonprofit electric utility serving more than 42,000 customers in Aiken, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Orangeburg and Saluda counties.

Kelci Barr, Jimmy Bass, Savannah Harris and Elizabeth Furtick represented Aiken Electric Cooperative at the nation’s capital. Photo by: Van O’Cain