KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas (Trinity Valley Electric Co-op) — It may seem early for high school students to start thinking about summer plans, but planning ahead will really pay off for two area teens. Sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative service area have until February 6 to submit entries to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin and Washington, D.C. for the Government-in-Action Youth Tour this June.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas (Trinity Valley Electric Co-op) — It may seem early for high school students to start thinking about summer plans, but planning ahead will really pay off for two area teens. Sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative service area have until February 6 to submit entries to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin and Washington, D.C. for the Government-in-Action Youth Tour this June.
“It is so much more than just a tourist trip,” said TVEC Manager of Public Relations Bobbi Byford, who will act as a chaperone for the fifth time this year. “I see these kids leave their comfort zone at the beginning of the trip, and within nine days they see the world from a new perspective. They see that they can conquer college, they can get to know people they’ve never met, they can go into unfamiliar territory and really thrive.”
Along with typical tourist activities, students will spend time meeting officials, participating in educational activities and learning the functions of government.
“You get to learn so much about our great nation and its monuments,” said 2015 winner Savannah Morgan, from North Forney High School. “It was probably the most fun I had in high school … Youth Tour was one of my most valuable experiences.”
Winners will start their journey in Austin, where they will take in Texas landmarks, tour the Texas Capitol and Governor’s Mansion and the Bob Bullock Museum. The Lone Star State group will then head to Washington, D.C. to join more than 1,400 other students from around the country.
“If you wonder whether your child is ready for college, this is a great way for them to get a foot out into the world and realize what they can really do,” Byford said. “It is all very well coordinated and safe, but the kids are able get to know each other and learn to accommodate other people.”
Entry forms and eligibility requirements are available on the TVEC website, www.tvec.net. Anyone with questions may contact Byford by email at bobbi@tvec.coop or by phone at 972-932-2214.
TVEC membership is not required. Eligible school districts include Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Cayuga, Crandall, Cross Roads, Edgewood, Eustace, Forney, Frankston, Kaufman, Kemp, La Poynor, Mabank, Malakoff, Martins Mill, Neches, Palestine, Scurry-Rosser, Terrell, Westwood and Wills Point. Private school and home school students also are encouraged to enter.
Additional Resources:
Texas Youth Tour website: www.texasyouthtour.com
TVEC youth tour entry information: https://www.tvec.net/community/tvec-youth-tour.html
Video features with TVEC youth tour winners:
