Rylee Lyons represented Tri-County Electric in June on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, returning home with new friendships, lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the nation’s history.
Sponsored by Tri-County Electric, the Monroe County High School rising senior joined young leaders from electric cooperative communities across the country for the weeklong experience.
The progra
m is designed to help students better understand American history, civic engagement and their role as citizens and members of electric cooperatives. For Lyons, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was meeting other students.
“This has truly been a life-changing experience, and I have made many friends that I will never forget,” Lyons says. “I will also never forget my Bus 2 friends and all of our fun bus rides together. This has been an amazing experience.”
The week began with visits to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon before students continued to Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Capitol, museums and memorials.
On Capitol Hill, the students were engaged and appreciative of the opportunity to discuss important issues with congressional staff members and U.S. Senator Rand Paul. They spoke up for electric cooperatives, asking about FEMA reform and how to make sure co-ops are adequately served by FEMA. They also asked about artificial intelligence and the nation’s future.
The itinerary also included a walking tour of the memorials on the National Mall, stops at the Smithsonian museums, the White House Visitor Center, the World War I Memorial, the Holocaust Museum and the National Air and Space Museum.
At Arlington National Cemetery, the students watched the Changing of the Guard and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony gave students a solemn reminder of the sacrifice behind the freedoms they were learning about throughout the week.
“It is a privilege to spend a week in Washington, D.C., with some of Kentucky’s brightest young leaders,” says Mallory Wafzig, the statewide association’s manager of cooperative outreach. “As they walk in the footsteps of our nation’s founders and experience our democracy firsthand, they are inspired to lead, serve and make a difference in their own communities.”
Wafzig thanked the chaperones who helped lead and support the students throughout the week, notably Tri-County Electric’s Lindsay Wilkinson, Marketing Assistant.
Dalton Davidson, Clay County High School, $1,000 scholarship winner. From left, Glenn Hale, CEO; Dalton Davidson; Lindsay Wilkinson, Marketing Assistant.
Madison West, Trousdale County High School, $1,000 scholarship winner. From left, Glenn Hale, CEO; Madison West; Lindsay Wilkinson, Marketing Assistant.
Emma Hackney, Red Boiling Springs High School, $1,000 scholarship winner. From left, Glenn Hale, CEO; Emma Hackney; Lindsay Wilkinson, Marketing Assistant.
