Six local students were among more than 1,500 high school seniors visiting Washington, D.C., June 15 – 20 for the Rural Electric Youth Tour, sponsored by Aiken Electric Cooperative and hundreds of other electric cooperatives across the country.

Chelsea Argroe, Wagener-Salley High School; Ashley Axson, Orangeburg Preparatory School; Joshua Cady, South Aiken High School; Christian Carey, South Aiken High School; Destiny Ligons, Ridge Spring-Monetta High School; and Erin Sweeny, Strom Thurmond 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 descends upon Capitol Hill to meet their state representatives.  The Aiken Electric Co-op students met U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott as well as Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep. Jeff Duncan and Rep. James Clyburn.

For many, it was their first time on an airplane and their first visit to our nation’s capital. “The trip meant so much to me,” said Destiny Ligons.  “It taught me how to stand up and stand out.” Ashley Axson stated, “The experience made me really appreciate what we have here in America. Just the richness in history – it really shaped me as a person.”  

South Carolina’s electric cooperatives have sponsored the Washington Youth Tour since 1968. 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.

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 the 43 participating states.