Local students tour Capitol

Two area high school students visited several historic landmarks in Washington, D.C., last month while participating in the annual youth tour by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.

Rising seniors Carley Jones (Culpeper) and Kori Price (Eastern View) were among 1,500 students who descended upon D.C.’s attractions and museums June 14-18 as part of the 2009 National Rural Electric Youth Tour.

“It was a different view of Washington,” Jones said. “You never can go too many times.”

The local participants got to chat with U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Virginia’s 1st District representative, and tour the Capitol with the staff of U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, who represents Culpeper.

“(Wittman) really wanted to hear what we had to say,” Carley said. “It was so awesome.”

This year’s theme was “Our Energy Our Future.”

During the tour, students got a first-hand look at what it’s like to be involved in politics, the democratic process and community service.

Highlights included trips to Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Kennedy Center and the Newseum.

Brian Wolfe, REC’s public relations specialist and youth tour coordinator, said students were selected from a pool of applicants who completed a 500-word essay on interests in rural affairs and community involvement.

“As a member-owned cooperative, REC recognizes the importance of providing students with the opportunity to observe the democratic process in action,” Wolfe said. “Students learn through participation they truly have the power to make a difference, not only in the governmental process, but also in their communities.”