Middle Park High School junior, Briana Leyba, was among the nearly 1,500 high school students from across the country who participated in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held June 9-15, 2006, in Washington, D.C. Selected on the basis of her essay on the importance of electricity today and the availability of electricity in the future, Briana was sponsored by Mountain Parks Electric.

Each year in June, an action-filled week provides high school students opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, community service and today’s pressing issues. The theme of the 2006 Youth Tour was “Commitment to Community.” Highlights included meeting with their elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to discuss the process of government and issues of the day, and increasing their knowledge of cooperative electric utilities and American history.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a joint effort of local electric co-ops, such as Mountain Parks Electric, their statewide co-op associations (Colorado Rural Electric Association), and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington, Virginia for 40 years.

“This opportunity was the most life changing experience I have ever felt”, Briana said. “I learned so much about the role of electric cooperatives in the energy industry. Most importantly, I realized that every young person today, teenagers my age and older, owe it to themselves to be come involved in their community. We need to start young by attending Town Board meetings, chamber and rotary meetings---find out what’s happening in our community, what affects our lives, political issues, hear the voices of our town representatives. We need to take the time to do these things no matter how busy our daily lives maybe. As young as we are, we do have a voice and I’ve learned that we can make a difference. If we learn while we are young to care about what happens, we will be better citizens and leaders of the future.”

In addition to taking in the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital, all the state groups celebrated National Youth Day on June 12 to learn from public figures and other inspirational speakers. The most powerful inspirational speaker was Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympic Medallist and two-time world Champion Wheelchair Basketball champion. Out of everyone I met, and many were people I really respected, Mike had a powerful impact on me. His message for every American, young or old: “Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out” was powerful. My wish would be that Mike Schlappi could be a guest speaker at one of our high school assemblies or even more inspiring, if he were to attend our graduation exercises. His message will be with me forever.”

One very tearful moment was watching tourists visiting the wall of fallen military who were trying to find the names of veterans they new. It was very emotional.

“We met with Colorado State Rep. Mark Udall and Rep. Marilyn Musgrave and were able to ask questions on issues affecting our communities. We learned about the formation of and the politics surrounding the creation of electric cooperatives and the Rural Electrification Act. There were so many great learning experiences and we made so many new friends. I hope that every junior in every high school in our community makes the effort to enter this contest. It is so valuable and life changing. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that Mountain Parks Electric offers to a student, all-expense paid. How often does that happen in a lifetime? One thing I would like to say to anyone reading this—get involved in your community—you can make a difference, and any parents of juniors—please encourage your son or daughter to enter for a chance to win a trip of a lifetime!”

Announcements for the 2007 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour will be in the October issue of Colorado Country Life.