MLEC Students Return from Washington Youth Tour

Seven local high school juniors experience week of leadership and history

(July 7, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Seven high school juniors from the Meriwether Lewis service area recently returned from the 2026 Washington Youth Tour after spending a week exploring the nation’s capital and gaining a deeper understanding of leadership, public service and the cooperative way of life.

The annual trip was held June 13 through June 19, aslectric cooperatives across the country through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) gather for the Washington Youth Tour. In Tennessee, the experience is coordinated by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA), which brings together student delegates from across the state.

Students earn their place on the Washington Youth Tour through a writing contest explaining how electric cooperatives make a difference in their communities. MLEC provides winners with an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they experience the nation’s history firsthand.

Representing MLEC on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour were Hayleigh Abel of East Hickman High School, Amaya Setzer of Hickman County High School, Callie Hearndon of Houston County High School, Yasvi Patel of Lewis County High School, Paityn Albred of McEwen High School, Landon Warren of Perry County High School and Caleb Tyus of Waverly Central High School. Lewis County High School teacher Lori Morgan also traveled with the group. MLEC Human Resource Generalist Sarah Bobo and Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong served as chaperones.

During the week, delegates visited the nation’s most historic landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian museums, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Students also attended the Marine Corps Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial, explored National Harbor and visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

(Pictured from left to right: MLEC Human Resource Generalist Sarah Bobo, Lewis County High School teacher Lori Morgan, Lewis County High School’s Yasvi Patel, MLEC Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong, Houston County High School’s Callie Hearndon, Perry County High School’s Landon Warren, Hickman County High School’s Amaya Setzer, Waverly Central High School’s Caleb Tyus, East Hickman High School’s Hayleigh Abel and McEwen High School’s Paityn Albred.)

In addition to experiencing American history firsthand, MLEC delegates connected with students from across Tennessee through TECA, participated in leadership activities and attended NRECA Youth Night, where they learned more about the electric cooperative business model and how co-ops strengthen local communities.

“The Washington Youth Tour is one of the most meaningful opportunities we offer our young people,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Through this trip, students gain experiences that build leadership skills, broaden their perspective and create lifelong friendships while learning more about our nation’s history and the cooperative difference.”

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