Four local high school students had the opportunity of a lifetime this June as they represented REC during the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Nigel Foster of Winchester, Juliana Hernandez of Orange County, Seren McCoy of Hanover County and Noble Richter of Fauquier County joined more than 1,600 students from across the nation for a fast-paced and inspiring week focused on leadership and civic engagement through the lens of the electric cooperative model. Although all four students had visited Washington, D.C. before, Youth Tour offered a meaningful chance to experience the Nation’s Capital through a new perspective.
“I love D.C.,” Hernandez said. “I applied to Youth Tour because I thought it would be a great opportunity to explore D.C. in a different way and make new connections.”
Richter echoed her thoughts: “Even though I’ve been to D.C., I thought this would be a great opportunity to get an inside look of D.C. and meet students from across the country.”
The experience began June 16, when students arrived at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, quickly diving into leadership training and orientation with their peers from across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. The schedule included visits to national landmarks, educational institutions, and points of historical significance. Highlights included standing on the steps of the Capitol, meeting with Congressional staff, a cruise along the Potomac River, and a game at Nationals Park. Along the way, they gained insight into the unique role electric cooperatives play in powering communities and shaping local economies.
Foster, who hopes to work in government one day, said his favorite part was going to the Capitol.
Each day was packed with opportunities—from engaging with elected officials and visiting national memorials, to learning about the cooperative difference and connecting with like-minded students from diverse backgrounds. The group’s final day even included a behind-the-scenes tour of operations at the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative campus in Gainesville.
“REC is proud to support these future leaders and invest in opportunities that empower students through education, connection, and service,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations. “The Youth Tour tradition continues to be a powerful reminder of the role electric cooperatives play,not just in delivering electricity, but in lighting the way for the next generation.”
Open to rising high school seniors in REC’s service area, applications for the 2026 Youth Tour will open later this year. Information about Youth Tour can be found at myrec.coop/youthtour.
