Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Youth Tour Day 6-June 16, 2010

It’s Capitol Hill Day! Everyone was dressed in their polo shirts; we are a good looking bunch headed to meet our Senators and Congressmen. We started our day with a photo with Senator Vitter and touring the United States Capitol. At the welcome center we watched a video about the capitol, then we toured the hall of statues and the rotunda. It truly is a magnificent building. Congressman Melancon’s office got us gallery tickets and we got to watch some testimonies about tax breaks for Veterans. The rest of the day was set aside for touring the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and most importantly our individual appointments with our elected officials. During our appointments, we were able to ask questions about what their jobs are like as well as discuss with them issue that are important to us and our loved ones back home. Not many people ever have the chance to meet their elected officials let alone visit with them in their offices…this was an opportunity of a life time. The day ended with the All States Farewell Dinner and Dance. All 1500 youth tour delegates from the United States gather again for one final party. There was dancing, movies, games and plenty visiting. It was a great event, but we were sad to say goodbye to our friends we had met from other states.
Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Javen is Jefferson Davis’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was visiting with Congressman Charles Boustany. It was awesome because he rally went into detail about his work and took his time to explain. It was truly a great experience.
His least favorite part of the day was waiting 3 hours for all the appointments to be finished, so we could move on with the touring of the monuments.
Today’s activities taught Javen that if I had to find my way through the city of Washington, D.C. I could. All it takes is a little common sense and a map.
Javen would like to say to his loved ones back home—I would like to give a shout out to my mother and father because without them I wouldn’t. Shout out to my sister because without her I shouldn’t. Shout out to my brother without him I would stutter. And shout to God because without him I couldn’t.
DC Rocks my Socks!!!

Josh is Beauregard’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was seeing the Apotheosis of Washington.
His least favorite part of the day was waiting for Senator Landrieu.
Today’s activities taught Josh I learned that I do not want to be a politician.
Josh would like to say to his loved ones back home I had a great time and I can’t wait to see the White House.

Yen is DEMCO’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the tour around the Capitol Hill. It was wonderful! The Library of Congress was amazing. It’s Gorgeous. Too beautiful to be real.
Her least favorite part of the day was I really enjoyed the walking around Capitol Hill. Everyone was excited about the dance, but I wasn’t because I don’t dance. (I tried, though). However, I enjoyed the movies. (Danny slept through almost half of it :-P)
It’s just the dance, and I think I’m the only one that feels that way.
Today’s activities taught Yen the tour around the Capitol Hill refreshed my memories about those history lessons I had. More special, I will always remember what Congressman Cassidy said, “Ty to learn as much as I can about as many things as I can. That really motivates me a lot on my path of studying.
Yen would like to say to her loved ones back home—pretty much what Jacob Brooks said: “Expect the Unexpected.” You can never know what you will see. Life is great. Enjoy every moment.
Also go to sleep early, guys. Drink a lot of water. Try as much as you can. I just love this trip!

Victoria is a Northeast delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was getting the opportunity to talk to Congress Rodney Alexander about current issues that our state is facing.
Her least favorite part of the day was WALKING. I did not go with my better judgment and wear comfy shoes, I went with looks instead. Not a good choice. Blisters are never fun!
Today’s activities taught Victoria that so much can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.
Heather would like to say to her loved ones back home that I miss you, love you, and will see you Friday.

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. Photo Gallery: http://youthtour.smugmug.com/2010-Youth-Tour

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Youth Tour Day 5-June 15, 2010

Today we started our day after breakfast with photos at the Iwo Jima Memorial. While there we saw the Marine Corp band practicing for the sunset parade. They enlisted Devin to be a Three Star General and help them with their practice. Then it was off to Arlington Cemetery. What a beautiful and somber site. We took the tram tour and visited President Kennedy’s grave, General Lee’s home and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the Tomb of the Unknown solider we watched the changing of the guard ceremony. It is amazing to watch those soldiers move with such precision to show honor and respect to our fallen. We also had perfect timing this year and walked up just as a wreath ceremony was beginning at the Tomb of the Unknowns. After a quick lunch, we toured the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Memorial. At the Holocaust Memorial Museum, we took a somber journey through the memorial. Each person was given a card with an individual’s story and at the end of the tour it was revealed whether your person lived or died. We spent the evening dining and shopping at the Pentagon City Mall, and then we returned to the Monuments to finish seeing the FDR Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.
Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Kayleigh is Beaureguard’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the Vietnam War Memorial. Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to go. Now I have!
Her least favorite part of the day was all the walking.
Today’s activities taught Kayleigh that the guards who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers are very precise and very honorable.
Kayleigh would like to say to her loved ones back home I love you all and the sites are amazing!
Kayleigh also recommends that everyone visiting Washington, D.C. should tour the Vietnam Wall.

CJ is ALEC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was going through the Holocaust Museum with a German exchange student and got see how the war affected the Jews and Germans on a deeper level.
His least favorite part of the day was nothing really. None of it was bad.
Today’s activities taught CJ that according to the people from Utah, we sound like we are all from Australia.
CJ would like to say to his loved ones back home…Do I have to come back home now, Mom?

Bucky is Claiborne’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was going to the Holocaust Museum and hangin out with all the new friends I have made.
His least favorite part of the day was that we had to walk too much and I took a sip of tea from one of the places we ate and it just ruined my day.
Today’s activities taught Bucky so much at the Holocaust. It was the most interesting thing we’ve been to so far.
Bucky would like to say to his loved ones back home that I miss my family and give a thanks to Claiborne Electric for sending me on this trip.
Bucky also wish the cooking in DC was better!!! 

Hannah is DEMCO’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the Marines!!! 
Her least favorite part of the day is being sleep deprived…incessantly.
Today’s activities taught Hannah that she is blessed to have made really good and caring friends here. I love you!
Hannah would like to say to her loved ones back home that I’ll apply for American citizenship :-p
Okay. Von hier an schreibe is in Deutsch. Dieser Trip ist der absolute Wahnsinn. Jugendeiche aus ganz Amerike zu treffen ist hochinteressant Washington, D.C. eine tolle stadt und meine Freunde hier machen mich gluecklich  Danlce fuer alles. (The Editor of the blog apologizes if this is wrong…I do not speak German so I have no ideas what I typed and if it is correct!)
Here is Hannah’s translation of the above message: Okay. From now on, I’ll write in German: This trip is absolutely amazing. Meeting people from all over the US is really interesting. Washington, DC is a great city and my friends here make me happy. Thank you for everything.
P.S. I forgive you, Mr. Rick!

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. New photos will be posted each night.
Photo Gallery: http://youthtour.smugmug.com/2010-Youth-Tour

Monday, June 14, 2010

Youth Tour Day 4-June 14, 2010

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, Victoria sat on stage and introduced our state. She 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 2 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:

Kaity is DEMCO’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the Smithsonian. It was amazing. Seeing the first American flag was my most heartwarming experience. It was truly inspirational.
Her least favorite part of the day was walking. We walked many many miles and I feel as if my feet were going to fall off.
Today’s activities taught Kaity to be more positive. I need to realize every day is a gift and be thankful for it. Thanks to Mr. Mike Schlappi for that message.
Kaity would like to say to her loved ones back home that I miss my country home and cannot wait to see them. Next time, I’m bginging my family with me so they can experience this, too! 
Even though this is my 2nd time to be on this trip, I still find Washington, DC very breathtaking and amazing.

Daniel is SLECA’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was seeing the classic World War II fighter planes.
His least favorite part of the day was walking across the Washington Mall to get to the museums.
Today’s activities taught Daniel that a lot of ingenuity goes into the technology of aircraft.
Daniel would like to say to his loved ones back home…Mom, I hope that you’re still not worrying. Matt and I are fine and we’re having a blast.
It is quite possible to fall asleep on a boat with loud music.

Ailah is WST’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was riverboat ride down the Potomac because I got to dance and meet new people.
Her least favorite part of the day was it was a little hot, but I really liked doing everything.
Today’s activities really widened my horizons and helped me to actually visualize everything that collectively shaped this great nation.
Ailah would like to say to her loved ones back home that I’m having the time of my life and I love you guys.

Phillip is PCEMC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the flight simulator in the Air and Space Museum.
His least favorite part of the day was the walking.
Today’s activities taught Phillip Dinosours were huge, and the Hope Diamond looks amaing.
Phillip would like to say to his loved ones back home Miss Ya!

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. New photos will be posted each night. Photo Gallery: http://youthtour.smugmug.com/2010-Youth-Tour

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Youth Tour Day 3-June 13, 2010

Today we got back on the road. This afternoon we stopped at Natural Bridge, Virginia. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The pictures just do not do this rock bridge any justice. It is truly a magnificent site. We hiked along the nature trails and saw an authentic Indian Village, water falls and the historic site where George Washington carved his initials in the rock after surveying the area. It was a great break in the day to get some exercise and take our minds off the long bus trip. After a couple hours it was time to board the bus to make our final trek into DC. We were greeted at the hotel by the Red Shirts. Red Shirts are former Youth Leadership Council Members that are here to help out for the week. After we checked into our rooms (which are very nice!) and got settled we had a pizza party at our hotel and voted on our Youth Leadership Council Representative for 2010. Congratulations to Victoria from Northeast Electric Cooperative. We know she will make an excellent representative for us and everyone back home in Louisiana.

Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Chance is ALEC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was Natural Bridge.
His least favorite part of the day was educational videos.
Today’s activities taught Chance to have a lot of patience when riding the bus.
Chance would like to say to his loved ones back home that I’m alright and I’m having a great time.
Chance also drew a picture of a cat saying “meow”

Matthew is SLECA’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was visiting the Natural Bridge
His least favorite part of the day was paying $12 for a chicken strip sandwich, French fries and a drink at lunch.
Today’s activities taught Matthew everything is hilly and mountainous compared to Houma, LA.
Matthew would like to say to his loved ones back home I’m having fun and it’s going to get even better. I can’t wait to tour DC! Oh also, Squirrels are stupid! O-o

Howarneshia is PCEMC’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was our visit to the Natural Bridge in Virginia. It was really beautiful. It was a great experience and I have never seen anything like it before.
Her least favorite part of the day was and also the hardest part was the bus ride. There isn’t much to do but sleep. I was really anxious to get to the Hyatt.
Today’s activities taught Howarneshia about the lives of the people of the Monacan Village. It was interesting to see how they lived. It was fun to learn the different facts of the Natural Bridge.
Howarneshia would like to say to her loved ones back home that I love them and I will have as much fun as possible on the trip.

McKeba is NRG’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was seeing the cave at the Natural Bridge.
Her least favorite part of the day was the cafeteria at the Natural Bridge.
Today’s activities taught McKeba as she got to witness how Indian tribes lived and it showed just a fraction of how different people on earth live.
McKeba would like to say to her loved ones back home is this is a rewarding trip that I’m happy to be on.

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. New photos will be posted each night. Photo Gallery: http://photos.youthtour.org/2010-Youth-Tour

Youth Tour Day 2-June 12, 2010

This morning we woke up very early at 5:00 a.m. We had to pack the bus and board. We spent the entire day on the bus. We drove through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Then, we spent the night in Knoxville. The bus stopped pretty often today to let us walk around and use the rest rooms. We also had donuts on the bus, stopped for breakfast at McDonald’s and had lunch at Wendy’s. While traveling we watched movies, listen to our mp3 players, visited with each other and napped. For dinner, we went to Famous Dave’s BBQ and then returned to the hotel. Some of us went swimming for a little while, while others just hung out and talked.

Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Taylor is Beauregard’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was eating a Famous Dave’s and socializing.
Her least favorite part of the day was staying on the bus all day. It was rather difficult.
Today’s activities taught Taylor when you work with your seat mate, you can get comfy enough to sleep.
Taylor would like to say to her loved ones back home hey guys! Love and miss yall! The hills are really tall and pretty over here.

Blake is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was sleeping on the bus.
His least favorite part of the day was riding the bus all day.
Today’s activities taught Blake patience!
Blake would like to say to his loved ones back home I don’t miss you yet but maybe I will miss you later. Love you!

Emily is NRG’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was watching movies all the way to Tennessee.
Her least favorite part of the day was staying occupied on the bus. It was the hardest part of the day.
Today’s activities taught Emily to have fun in any situation you are in.
Emily would like to say to her loved ones back home please send money! Papi, Paip Silence Mijo Ahhhh

Victoria is Northeast’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was singing Mama Mia with Hannah in the back of the bus next to the squeaky bathroom!
Her least favorite part of the day was riding in the bus for around 12 hours.
Today’s activities taught Victoria to make the best out of any situation. You can have fun no matter where you are or what you are doing!
Victoria would like to say to her loved ones back home I love you all and can’t wait come home and share the many memories that I gain with you.
Mama Mia is the bomb!!!!!!

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. New photos will be posted each night. Photo Gallery: http://photos.youthtour.org/2010-Youth-Tour

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Youth Tour Day 1-June 11, 2010

Today is our first day. Excitement is high. This is the first time that everyone gets to meet one another. The Chaperones: Mrs. Sandy “Mama Sandy”, Ms. Addie and Mr. Rick introduced themselves to the delegates and parents as they arrive one by one. Everyone was busy introducing themselves and learning about the other delegates that will be traveling to Washington D.C. from Louisiana. There was plenty excitement because we started with an ice breaker game. Some of us were even nervous. Delegates said good bye to loved ones. Everyone was excited to hear what each others plans are for the summer and how those last days of school played out. Most importantly everyone is just excited about Youth Tour and anticipating an awesome trip. We spent the day learning about Electric cooperatives and electrical safety. We even participated in the Lineman Olympics. It’s amazing to see how hard their jobs are while wearing all their safety equipment. Mama Sandy told everyone a little about the trip and what to expect as well as what is expected of us. The group learned more about Youth Leadership Council, and everyone that is interested is encouraged to run for the Louisiana Youth Leadership Council position. After all the business was taken care of everyone was given the options to visit in groups in each others’ rooms, swim, watch movies or play. Most of us chose to hang out by the pool while others went swimming. Blake brought his guitar and sang a few songs for us. Early bed check because we have to board the bus very early in the morning headed for Tennessee.

Here’s what today’s bloggers had to say:

Jack Colvin is a Claiborne Electric delegate:
His favorite part of the day was sitting around the pool.
His least favorite part of the day was learning about electricity.
Today’s activities taught Jack to stay away from electricity.
Jack would like to say to his loved ones back home stay away from electric lines and I love you Mom!

Rachel Brown is Jeff Davis’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was meeting all the new people and getting to know one another.
Her least favorite part of the day was the non active lectures.
Today’s activities taught Rachel the facts about electricity and safety. I also learned how to keep people safe around electricity.
Rachel would like to say to her loved ones back home that I’m having an awesome time. I have already made new friends and can’t wait to get to DC! I had a Great time today and I love you!

Danny is WST’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was getting to know all the kids going on the Youth Tour trip.
His least favorite part of the day were the 5 hour talks.
Today’s activities taught Danny about electricity and cooperatives. I can appreciate the work and commitment of our electric coops now.
Danny would like to say to his loved ones back home that I’m having a good time. See you when I get home.

Daniel is ALEC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was meeting new people and learning about electricity.
His least favorite part of the day was the lectures! lol
Today’s activities taught Daniel more about safety with electricity, and I will be more precautious from now on.
Daniel would like to say to his loved ones back home that I’m having fun!

To view our pictures from today go to the link below. New photos will be posted each night. Photo Gallery: http://photos.youthtour.org/2010-Youth-Tour

Friday, June 11, 2010

Day 1 Photos

You can see our pictures from Day 1 at http://photos.youthtour.org/2010-Youth-Tour

Blog post coming soon.