Our keynote speaker, Mike Schlappi, asked me to send a note to you.
Go to this link to view his message http://ytredshirts.blogspot.com/2009/06/note-from-mike.html
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Washington Youth Tour students overcome fear, trepidation
For the past 21 years it has been my
distinct honor and privilege to serve as
state coordinator and lead chaperone of
the National Rural Electric Youth Tour
to Washington, D.C.
The Youth Tour program traces its
history back to 1957 when then-Sen.
Lyndon B. Johnson spoke at the annual
meeting of the National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association in Chicago and
challenged co-op leaders to send young
people to Washington where they could
actually see what our nation’s flag represents.
Johnson’s home state, Texas, was the
first to answer the senator’s challenge
and by 1964 the program had become
a coordinated annual event with more
than 400 young people representing 12
states. Today, the number of students
and chaperones participating in the allexpenses-
paid program totals more than
1,800 each year.
The youngsters typically spend four
or five days in Washington where they
get to see the many historic monuments
and landmarks they’ve always read
and heard about. They also get to meet
members of their state’s congressional
delegation and enter the Senate and
House chambers where they witness the
legislative process firsthand.
In leading this special group to
Washington over the years, you can be
sure I’ve experienced quite a few interesting
and exciting moments. Each tour
brings its own unique set of challenges,
situations and rewards. There have
been bus breakdowns, communication
breakdowns, last-minute cancellations
and other surprises along the way.
In particular, I recall the trip to
Washington the summer after the 911
tragedy. Some of the monuments and
federal buildings were still off-limits to
the public, security was tight and tension
was in the air.
Though quite apprehensive before
we departed, we returned home that year
without incident. And while the trip always
yields memories that the students
carry with them for a lifetime, this trip
was especially poignant for the participants.
Similar to 2001, the circumstances
that made this year’s trip an exceptional
one actually occurred before we boarded
the buses and headed east. Just a few
days before we left our base in Baton
Rouge, news sources revealed that a
lone gunman with ties to radical groups
had entered the National Holocaust
Museum and opened fire. The assailant
killed a security guard and fired several
rounds before he was shot down by
museum personnel.
The National Holocaust Museum
just so happens to be one of the
many sites we usually visit during the
week-long Youth Tour, and I was very
concerned that this murderous episode
would have its intended effect - to
spread paralyzing fear and terror across
our land. I braced myself for the phone
calls from concerned parents demanding
to withdraw their children from the
program.
I have to admit that the more cynical
side of me anticipated that at least a few
would be consumed by fear and opt to
stay home. But to my pleasant surprise,
none of them did. While safety concerns
were expressed, justifiably so, all
the students and their parents made the
choice to overcome their anxieties and
fears and forge ahead with their plans.
Every student that has gone on this
tour has taken away an assortment of
special memories and lessons. They’ve
entered the very halls where the nation’s
laws are debated and enacted. They’ve
walked through the building where the
president and his family reside. They’ve
visited the museums that preserve and
display our nation’s history. They’ve
witnessed the solemn changing of the
guard at Arlington Cemetery and stood
before the statues and monuments that
recognize those men and women who
have made the ultimate sacrifice for the
preservation of our freedoms.
To be sure, most of the Youth Tour
students will likely never find themselves
in a position where they are on
the front lines of a military combat
scenario and faced with a situation
where they have to demonstrate their
bravery and courage in the same manner
our U.S. service personnel do on a daily
basis.
But given the events that transpired
before our trip to Washington, they did
have this opportunity to exercise some
measure of courage by moving forward
when they could have allowed their
fears to intervene and cause them to
miss out on one of the most important
trips of their young lives.
Right in the very vicinity of this
extreme act, they found themselves in
the physical presence of an institution
where the laws are made and the political
power transferred through peaceful
means instead of bloodshed.
It may seem like a small sacrifice
for these students and their parents to
overcome their concerns and continue
on as planned, and maybe it was. But as
a parent myself, I know how hard it is to
let a child travel across the country with
a group of strangers in the first place, let
alone doing so just a few days before a
zealot has opened fire at your point of
destination.
I believe this is notable.
I appreciate all the students and
parents who have taken part in this
worthwhile program over the decades
and I appreciate the fact that I have had
the honor of serving these young people
and their families.
No doubt, next year’s trip will hold
some sort of new adventure, and I look
forward to another memorable time
spent with these outstanding leaders of
tomorrow.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Youth Tour Day 8-June 19, 2009
We’ve been on the bus all night with some pit stops along the way. Everyone is tired and tired of being on the bus. Youth Tour was great, but now everyone is just excited to get home and see their loved ones. The hardest part about today is saying goodbye to all our friends. Hopefully we will see each other again…maybe at camp this summer, school next year or even college. We hug each other with the promises of staying in touch. Now we can’t wait to tell our loved ones about our exciting week of adventure. Each and every individual made this trip special for one another. Before we reach Baton Rouge, the chaperones were presented a memory book signed by all the delegates. Then each of the chaperones said a little something special to the kids. It was a great trip! A trip of a life time! A trip that will make us better citizens and community leaders! 2009 Youth Tour Rocks!!! PARTY!!!!!!!! And it truly was a party.
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Evan is Beauregard’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was watching Matt and Julie stay up until 7:30 a.m. this morning. Listening to their conversations was HILARIOUS.
Her least favorite part of the day was when her legs kept falling asleep. We’ve been riding the bus since last night.
Today’s activities taught Evan she learned that EVERYONE, at some point needs a shoulder to lean on, and to sleep on…especially when on a bust all night.
Evan would like to say to her loved ones back home hello to her dear mother…I’m Ready to be home! PARTY!!!!
David is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the week was the day we toured the museums. His group had a lot fun.
His least favorite part of the week was all the walking.
The whole experience has taught David that he can be away from home a long time and be alright, and that he can also make new friends fast.
David would like to say to his loved ones back home that he will see you in a couple hours.
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Evan is Beauregard’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was watching Matt and Julie stay up until 7:30 a.m. this morning. Listening to their conversations was HILARIOUS.
Her least favorite part of the day was when her legs kept falling asleep. We’ve been riding the bus since last night.
Today’s activities taught Evan she learned that EVERYONE, at some point needs a shoulder to lean on, and to sleep on…especially when on a bust all night.
Evan would like to say to her loved ones back home hello to her dear mother…I’m Ready to be home! PARTY!!!!
David is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the week was the day we toured the museums. His group had a lot fun.
His least favorite part of the week was all the walking.
The whole experience has taught David that he can be away from home a long time and be alright, and that he can also make new friends fast.
David would like to say to his loved ones back home that he will see you in a couple hours.
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Youth Tour Day 7-June 18, 2009
Well we are coming to you live aboard the Hotard bus headed for home tonight! We had to check out of our hotel first thing this morning and load the bus we will be traveling home in. Then we boarded another bus for a full day of touring before we start heading home. It’s not until you ride with another bus driver that you can truly appreciate how great Mr. Mike Adams truly is. Everyone is very tired at this point. It’s been a tough but fun week. Most of us are also eager to get home and see our loved ones. There are just a few more things we need to do before we head home such as touring the Washington National Cathedral. The cathedral is a beautiful building rich in history. We saw the Space and Technology stain glass window with a moon rock inside it. Where Helen Keller and her teacher were buried, and we learned how the cathedral was built. Today we had lunch at the Pavilion (Old Post Office). Next we toured the National Archives. Here we saw the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Our last tour was Ford’s Theatre. Ford’s Theatre is where President Lincoln was assassinated, and then they took him across the street to the Peterson House where he died. We finished up our site seeing with some last minute souvenir purchases at the Hard Rock Café and other souvenir stores. We returned to our hotel to board our bus we are coming home in. Now it is time to get settled for a long night of riding on the bus. Tonight we will not stop at a hotel; hopefully we will get some rest on the bus.
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Reynecia is NRG’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was visiting the National Archives. It was fascinating to see the original documents that shaped our countries history.
Her least favorite part of the day, as always, was waking up early and walking all day. We were all so tired, but what we witnessed was worth it.
Today’s activities taught Reynecia in vivid detail the tragic events that killed one of our nation’s most inspiring heroes, Abraham Lincoln. She really enjoyed it!
Reynecia would like to say to her loved ones back home that she is truly grateful for their support and she really enjoyed the whole Youth Tour experience. She can’t wait to come home though!
Haden is Valley’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the National Archives.
His least favorite part of the day was nothing.
Today’s activities taught Haden about Lincoln and how our national documents are protected.
Haden would like to say to his loved ones back home that he loves you and misses you. PARTY!!! As the trip is coming to an end, Haden wants to meet up with everyone again.
Joey is ALEC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was going to the National Cathedral and seeing all the stain glass windows and rock sculptures.
His least favorite part of the day was waking up early after the cool dance last night.
Today’s activities taught Joey to respect makers of the Constitution because they made something that will run our country for many years.
Joey would like to say to his loved ones back home…he’s coming home! See you tomorrow.
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Reynecia is NRG’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was visiting the National Archives. It was fascinating to see the original documents that shaped our countries history.
Her least favorite part of the day, as always, was waking up early and walking all day. We were all so tired, but what we witnessed was worth it.
Today’s activities taught Reynecia in vivid detail the tragic events that killed one of our nation’s most inspiring heroes, Abraham Lincoln. She really enjoyed it!
Reynecia would like to say to her loved ones back home that she is truly grateful for their support and she really enjoyed the whole Youth Tour experience. She can’t wait to come home though!
Haden is Valley’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the National Archives.
His least favorite part of the day was nothing.
Today’s activities taught Haden about Lincoln and how our national documents are protected.
Haden would like to say to his loved ones back home that he loves you and misses you. PARTY!!! As the trip is coming to an end, Haden wants to meet up with everyone again.
Joey is ALEC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was going to the National Cathedral and seeing all the stain glass windows and rock sculptures.
His least favorite part of the day was waking up early after the cool dance last night.
Today’s activities taught Joey to respect makers of the Constitution because they made something that will run our country for many years.
Joey would like to say to his loved ones back home…he’s coming home! See you tomorrow.
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Youth Tour Day 6-June 17, 2009
It’s Capitol Hill Day! Everyone was dressed in their polo shirts; we were a good looking bunch headed to meet our Congressmen. We started our day by touring the United States Capitol. Our tour guide was awesome. He had a lot of neat facts about the 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 Charlie Melancon got the group passes to the House Gallery. We got to see where the laws are made. Next Congressman Cassidy spoke to the group and took pictures with everyone. 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 our delegates asked great questions about issues that concern them and their communities. They also asked questions about what their jobs are like and what they had to do to get a job or internship on Capitol Hill. 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. We had lunch in the Longworth House Office Building. This is the cafeteria the staffers eat in each day. The day ended with the All States Farewell Dinner and Dance. All youth tour delegates from the United States gather again for one final party. There was dancing, movies, games and plenty visiting. Needless to say our crew partied hard. Even Mrs. Sandy, Ms. Addie and Mrs. Kay got on the dance floor to do the Cupid Shuffle with the delegates. 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 have to say:
Jacob is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the dance party. It was incredible! He has not had a good dance party in a long time. This experience is tied with getting to see Dr. Cassidy his congressman again.
His least favorite part of the day was waiting on the congressmen is boring but at least we had friends to keep us company. Numb legs are not very appealing!! :-)
Today’s activities taught Jacob, personally, the questions that he asked Congressman Cassidy, coupled with the Congressman’s answers have made him reevaluate his stance on various issues. Various actions by certain people have also strengthen some of the beliefs that I hold and served as a reminder to me to trust God in all things.
Jacob would like to say to his loved ones back home Hey Mom, Dad and girls! Hope yall have finished remodeling the house before I get home! Love ya. Evan Rocks! PARTY!!!!
Corey is PCEMC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was visiting the Library of Congress and visiting Capitol Hill.
His least favorite part of the day was being on his feet for a LONG period of time.
Today’s activities taught Corey value our nation’s democratic setup and how well it works.
Corey would like to say to his loved ones back home he wants you to know that Washington DC is really a place they should visit soon. Today was his favorite day, thus far.
Christina is SLECA’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was when we went to the Capitol and I got to see the new Ronald Reagan statue.
Her least favorite part of the day was waiting for a long time for her congressman to show up.
Today’s activities taught Christina that it took a lot to get our nation the way it is now, and it will take a lot for it to better itself.
Christina would like to say to her loved ones back home that she would like to encourage her little brother and sister to win this trip when they are old enough. “I LOVED IT!”
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Jacob is DEMCO’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was the dance party. It was incredible! He has not had a good dance party in a long time. This experience is tied with getting to see Dr. Cassidy his congressman again.
His least favorite part of the day was waiting on the congressmen is boring but at least we had friends to keep us company. Numb legs are not very appealing!! :-)
Today’s activities taught Jacob, personally, the questions that he asked Congressman Cassidy, coupled with the Congressman’s answers have made him reevaluate his stance on various issues. Various actions by certain people have also strengthen some of the beliefs that I hold and served as a reminder to me to trust God in all things.
Jacob would like to say to his loved ones back home Hey Mom, Dad and girls! Hope yall have finished remodeling the house before I get home! Love ya. Evan Rocks! PARTY!!!!
Corey is PCEMC’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was visiting the Library of Congress and visiting Capitol Hill.
His least favorite part of the day was being on his feet for a LONG period of time.
Today’s activities taught Corey value our nation’s democratic setup and how well it works.
Corey would like to say to his loved ones back home he wants you to know that Washington DC is really a place they should visit soon. Today was his favorite day, thus far.
Christina is SLECA’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was when we went to the Capitol and I got to see the new Ronald Reagan statue.
Her least favorite part of the day was waiting for a long time for her congressman to show up.
Today’s activities taught Christina that it took a lot to get our nation the way it is now, and it will take a lot for it to better itself.
Christina would like to say to her loved ones back home that she would like to encourage her little brother and sister to win this trip when they are old enough. “I LOVED IT!”
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Youth Tour Day 5-June 16, 2009
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. Some Marines walked up to our group and invited us to sit in the VIP seats to watch their practice. That was a very special treat for everyone. Mrs. Kay our chaperone was asked to stand in for the General. 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. After the changing of the guard, we witnessed the laying of the wreath ceremony. There were two wreath ceremonies back to back and if that wasn’t special enough a funeral was going on at the same time. When they started playing taps for the wreath ceremony the 21 gun salute was being fired at the same time for a nearby funeral. You could feel the chills run down your spine. After a quick lunch at the Pentagon City Mall, we toured the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson 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. Then we toured Daniel’s story at the Holocaust Museum. Daniel’s story is about the holocaust experience through a child’s diary. The security guards at the museum reminded us how tough their week had been since the shooting of one of their fellow employees last week, and we expressed our sympathies to them as well. We ended our day back at the Pentagon City Mall dining and shopping.
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Emily is DEMCO’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was Arlington Cemetery and the Holocaust museum. She especially enjoyed all the trivia because she plans to be an American History and Math teacher.
Her least favorite part of the day was nothing. She loved spending the day touring DC and learning more about our nation’s capital.
Today’s activities taught Emily to be thankful after touring the Holocaust Museum. Arlington and the monuments made her respect the military and veterans in a whole different perspective. All Americans should be truly appreciative of what they have done for our country.
Emily would like to say to her loved ones back home she misses yall, but she’s having an awesome time. Thanks for you love and support. Emily would also like to thank DEMCO for letting her go on this Amazing trip and thanks to the chaperones for helping out. Thanks to Mrs. Sandy and Ms. Addie for organizing the trip.
Christian is PCEMC’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was watching the Marine Corps Band rehearse for their parade in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Her least favorite part of the day was a lot of walking.
Today’s activities taught Christian a deep respect for all the men and women who lost their lives in battle protecting our country.
Christian would like to say to her loved ones back home hello! See yall when she gets home. She has lots of pictures.
Jamie is SLECA’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the Holocaust Museum.
Her least favorite part of the day was she really wished she would have had more time to visit the Jefferson Memorial.
Today’s activities taught Jamie to have a better understanding of what happened in the Holocaust. It was unbelievable to see how much the Jew’s lives changed after Germany took control.
Jamie would like to say to her loved ones back home that she’s having a lot of fun in Washington DC and she misses yall a lot. She hopes her loved ones can visit here one day. “I love you Aunt Melinda!”
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Emily is DEMCO’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was Arlington Cemetery and the Holocaust museum. She especially enjoyed all the trivia because she plans to be an American History and Math teacher.
Her least favorite part of the day was nothing. She loved spending the day touring DC and learning more about our nation’s capital.
Today’s activities taught Emily to be thankful after touring the Holocaust Museum. Arlington and the monuments made her respect the military and veterans in a whole different perspective. All Americans should be truly appreciative of what they have done for our country.
Emily would like to say to her loved ones back home she misses yall, but she’s having an awesome time. Thanks for you love and support. Emily would also like to thank DEMCO for letting her go on this Amazing trip and thanks to the chaperones for helping out. Thanks to Mrs. Sandy and Ms. Addie for organizing the trip.
Christian is PCEMC’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was watching the Marine Corps Band rehearse for their parade in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Her least favorite part of the day was a lot of walking.
Today’s activities taught Christian a deep respect for all the men and women who lost their lives in battle protecting our country.
Christian would like to say to her loved ones back home hello! See yall when she gets home. She has lots of pictures.
Jamie is SLECA’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the Holocaust Museum.
Her least favorite part of the day was she really wished she would have had more time to visit the Jefferson Memorial.
Today’s activities taught Jamie to have a better understanding of what happened in the Holocaust. It was unbelievable to see how much the Jew’s lives changed after Germany took control.
Jamie would like to say to her loved ones back home that she’s having a lot of fun in Washington DC and she misses yall a lot. She hopes her loved ones can visit here one day. “I love you Aunt Melinda!”
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
Monday, June 15, 2009
Youth Tour Day 4-June 15, 2009
This morning we attended the Rural Electric Youth Rally Day. There were over 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, Carlin sat on stage and introduced our state. He did a great job!
The 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 3 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. We also had fun making friends with the other states...until we found out that LSU had won. Then we just became typical LSU fans chanting at all the other states. Geaux Tigers! It was a great first day in our nation’s capital.
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Lauren is Claiborne’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the boat cruise, dance and our inspirational speaker this morning.
Her least favorite part of the day was waking up at 5:30 a.m.
This morning Mike Schlappi talked to all of the youth tour delegates about the hardships he faced in his life. It was extremely inspiring because he never gave up no matter what came his way. Lauren hopes she can become that way as well.
Lauren would like to say to her loved ones back home we are having the time of our lives! It is so much fun. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to meet these new lifelong friends. Be home soon! Love ya!
Justin is NRG’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was dancing on the boat cruise.
His least favorite part of the day was walking all day.
Today’s activities taught Justin the importance of history, and how we can all learn from it.
Justin would like to say to his loved ones back home the trip is fun and he miss yall.
PARTY!!!
Jodi is WST’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was riding the elevator up and down with Ryan, Hunter, Erin, Dylan and Jacob at the Smithsonian.
Her least favorite part of the day was a lot of walking.
Today’s activities taught Jodi she’s not really sure right now.
Jodi would like to say to her loved ones back home she misses you, but is having fun.
Just another footnote about PARTY!!!—Louisiana has been successful in getting all the other states to yell PARTY!!!
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
The 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 3 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. We also had fun making friends with the other states...until we found out that LSU had won. Then we just became typical LSU fans chanting at all the other states. Geaux Tigers! It was a great first day in our nation’s capital.
Here’s what today’s bloggers have to say:
Lauren is Claiborne’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was the boat cruise, dance and our inspirational speaker this morning.
Her least favorite part of the day was waking up at 5:30 a.m.
This morning Mike Schlappi talked to all of the youth tour delegates about the hardships he faced in his life. It was extremely inspiring because he never gave up no matter what came his way. Lauren hopes she can become that way as well.
Lauren would like to say to her loved ones back home we are having the time of our lives! It is so much fun. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to meet these new lifelong friends. Be home soon! Love ya!
Justin is NRG’s delegate:
His favorite part of the day was dancing on the boat cruise.
His least favorite part of the day was walking all day.
Today’s activities taught Justin the importance of history, and how we can all learn from it.
Justin would like to say to his loved ones back home the trip is fun and he miss yall.
PARTY!!!
Jodi is WST’s delegate:
Her favorite part of the day was riding the elevator up and down with Ryan, Hunter, Erin, Dylan and Jacob at the Smithsonian.
Her least favorite part of the day was a lot of walking.
Today’s activities taught Jodi she’s not really sure right now.
Jodi would like to say to her loved ones back home she misses you, but is having fun.
Just another footnote about PARTY!!!—Louisiana has been successful in getting all the other states to yell PARTY!!!
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/2009%20Youth%20Tour
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