Bailey Ramsey from Carney, and Isaac Ochsner from Stillwater were selected as the winners of the Oklahoma Youth Tour contest hosted by Central Rural Electric Cooperative, earning spots to attend Washington, D.C. with other winners from across the state.
The other three finalists, Clara Carr Chandler, Nicholas Sewell and Madisyn Novotny from Pawnee secured scholarships through the contest.
“I’m so proud of the five finalists,” said Hunter Robinson, Central CEO. “It’s great to see these bright young leaders in our territory and have them represent us at this year’s Youth Tour.”
More than 20 high school juniors submitted essays with the top five talented students interviewed by a panel of external judges.
“It’s important from a cooperative standpoint for young leaders to understand the role politics play in our country,” Robinson said. “Electric cooperatives were born out of a political movement and a need for rural electrification.”
The two Youth Tour winners will meet members of congress, visit monuments, historic sights and Smithsonian museums. Youth Tour gives students valuable insight into American history, while giving them tools to succeed as young leaders.