Youth Tour is an incredible leadership experience and an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., that is sponsored yearly by Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative. Each June, about 40 high school seniors and juniors from Indiana and Ohio, along with 1,800 students from across the country, come together to visit some of the most iconic sites the city has to offer.
The itinerary includes visits to landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Vietnam and Korean war memorials. The journey also encompasses cultural and historical sites such as the Washington National Cathedral and the solemn grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
The trip is not just about sightseeing; it’s also about understanding the power and responsibilities of leadership. Students have the unique privilege of meeting with their congressional representatives, where they can voice their thoughts, concerns and dreams for a brighter future. In past years, students have met with Rep. Bob Latta and Sens. J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown.
Braden Knippen (Fort Jennings High School) and Henry Ballard (Hicksville High School), son of Scott and Angela Ballard of Cecil, were chosen to represent PPEC on the 2023 Youth Tour. (Both students are featured on the cover.) Knippen (pictured at right), the son of Joseph and Michelle Knippen of Fort Jennings, shared his “once-in-a-lifetime experience with us.
WHAT WAS YOUTH TOUR LIKE? WERE YOU NERVOUS?
“I had the chance to meet people from all corners of Ohio and across the United States. I also got to learn more about the country’s history and gained a deeper understanding of electric cooperatives and the role they play in communities across the nation. My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t know anyone, but some of them have become lifelong friends. We still talk every day and share cherished memories from the trip.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT?
“My favorite places to visit were the Smithsonian museums, especially the National History Museum, due to the number of historical items you can see. I also enjoyed our trip to the Gettysburg battlefield. The tour guides were so knowledgeable there and were able to tell us what happened in exact places on the battlefield.”
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT CO-OPS?
“We learned what a co-op is and how it operates as a member-run organization, which was eye-opening. It’s not like a large corporate business; it’s the members who are in control. We also discussed the impact that co-ops can have on our communities.”
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS APPLY FOR YOUTH TOUR?
“Well, first off, it’s free. Beyond that, the new people you meet, the friendships you make, and the unforgettable memories you create are priceless. The opportunity to explore our nation’s capital and learn about its history is one like no other.”
The 2024 trip takes place June 16–23 for Indiana attendees. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and you won’t want to miss the chance to go! Current high school sophomores and juniors must apply by Feb. 15, 2024.
Scan the below QR code or visit PPEC.coop/Youth-Tour to apply and watch a longer interview with Braden.
