Century High School’s Grace Larson, center, represented Capital Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., in June. She is shown here with Mara Smith, left, from Fargo Davies High School and Nicole Lawler, right, from Linton
Public School.
Larson enjoys learning experience in Washington, D.C.
Each year, Youth Tour brings together students from across the country to participate in a weeklong adventure in Washington, D.C. Participants learn about their co-op and gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen.
This year, Capital Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour essay contest winner was Grace Larson from Bismarck. Grace, who will begin her senior year at Century High School this fall, was wowed by her trip to our nation’s capital in June.
“Everyone there had the same values and goals, and I found that I had a lot in common with them,” Grace shared. “We visited many historic sites and monuments, and we learned why it’s important to be grateful to live in this great country.”
One of Grace’s favorite stops on the tour was the Smithsonian museums, as there was so much to see and learn about natural history. Her favorite monument was the Korean War Memorial, as her great-grandfather served in the army during that conflict. “There were so many great statues representing those brave soldiers. We were humbled to read the names of the many soldiers who lost their lives,” she reflected.
While in our nation’s capitol, the Youth Tour students met with U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and U.S Representative Kelly Armstrong. They also had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Kevin Cramer’s staff, who provided a tour of the U.S. Capitol building.
“I was impressed how they made us feel that our opinion mattered, and we could make an impact on the future,” Grace gratefully acknowledged.
This summer, Grace is working at a summer camp at the Gateway to Science. She finds her work with first to third grade students very fun and interesting, as well as great experience to prepare her for a planned career in elementary education.
Grace concludes, “I am grateful to my co-op for this experience and believe it will impact my future in a positive way. Grace, we thank you for your involvement in the youth tour and wish you the very best in your future!
For more information on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, visit www.ndyouthtour.com or e-mail Wes Engbrecht, wese@capitalelec.com.