This morning we attended the Rural Electric Youth Rally Day. There were about 1500 teenagers from all over the United States. There was plenty excitement in the air when we first arrived each state was yelling their cheers, we traded stickers, pins and beads for our name badges. Once the program began, Ryan sat on stage and introduced our state. He did a great job.
The program also featured David Landis. He provided a vibrant historical character portrayal of United States Senator George W. Norris. Sen. Norris saw the need for and shepherded the enactment of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). These two historic pieces of legislation gave rise to rural electric cooperatives and public power. Landis will explain why some elements of the politics surrounding these important issues in the 1930's are still very much alive today.
Keynote speaker Mike Schlappi had an inspiring message for every American, young or old: "Just because you can't stand up, doesn't mean you can't stand out. At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president and an Eagle Scout, and was dreaming of a career as a top American athlete when he was involved in a tragic shooting accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but after months of rigorous therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become an athletic standout. Schlappi is a four-time Paralympics Medalist and two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball. The only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be on four consecutive summer Paralympics teams, Schlappi was honored by the state of Utah in 2000 as one of its Top 50 athletes of the past century.
After Youth Rally we spent the day touring the Smithsonian’s. Many of us visited the Air and Space, Natural History, American History and American Indian museums as well as many different art museums and the sculpture garden.
We ended our day with a river boat cruise down the Potomac River on a luxury yacht. There was a DJ on all levels of the boat for us to party and the top level was an observation deck. We cruised past the Reagan International Airport and we saw the DC and Arlington sky lines while watching the sun set. It was a great first day in our nation’s capital.
Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:
Kathryn is Northeast’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the motivational speaker, Mike Schlappi. I feel like I’ve grown as well as the other people on the Louisiana Youth Tour just by listening to his sermon on life.
Her hardest part of the day was visiting the Smithsonian and not having enough time to truly admire the museums.
Today’s activities taught Kathryn that you must learn to live with your own peronals “bullets” in order to have an outstanding life. It has release some of my self-consciousness into a confident young woman.
Kathryn would like to say to her loved ones back home…I love all of you very much and I can’t wait to be with you all again!
Marquisse is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the dance on the cruise ship.
His least favorite part of the day was walking around so much and getting lost.
Today’s activities taught Marquisse to dance more!
Marquisse would like to say to his loved ones back home…I’m having so much sparting fun!! (Marquiesse and crew are reliving their days in Spartan…while driving everyone nuts. Every sentence, phrase or word has to start with Spartan. However, they are having a blast and keeping the chaperones in stitches.)
Payton is PCEMC’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was looking at the First Ladies dresses and the fabulous jewels in the different museums.
Her least favorite part of the day was waking up at 6:00 a.m.
Today’s activities taught Payton about the different kinds of gems.
Payton would like to say to her loved ones back home…even though I’m not feeling good, I am having a wonderful time and I Love Yall!!!
To view our pictures from today go to the link below. We have 2 photo galleries one is from our Leadership Conference in March and the other is this week’s Youth Tour. New photos will be posted each night.
Photo Gallery:
http://photos.youthtour.org/2011YouthTour/Louisiana/17366516_VkXtZ3#1319901344_K8CGXgM
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