CEC picks three great C.O. teens for D.C. youth tour

This year’s three Central Electric Cooperative Washington Youth Tour winners represent the best and brightest Central Oregon has to offer.

There was an array of applicants this year with impressive essays, records of community involvement, and achievements that made it hard to narrow the field of seven applicants.

Due to the caliber of candidates, the CEC Board of Directors approved sending three representatives to Washington, D.C., instead of the originally intended two.

CEC is pleased to announce Erin Bush from Crook County High School, Alena Nore from Sisters High School, and Lillie Spackman from Bend Senior High School will represent Central Electric Cooperative this June.

“These young ladies will represent our co-op and Central Oregon well and use this experience to further their future goals and commitment to community,” says Jeff Beaman, Membership Services Director.

An honor student, Bush is part of the Crook County High School Student Council, serves as Future Farmers of America Officer, participates in 4-H, volunteers with the American Red Cross, plays soccer and competes competitively with her horses.

Nore is an honor student, participates on the Sisters High School Graphic Arts and Design Team, serves as the SHS Jazz Choir Historian, is the 2013 winner of the Winter Fest Poster Design contest, and volunteers with a variety of organizations.

Spackman is enrolled in Bend Senior High School’s International Baccalaureate program, competes in girls’ lacrosse, participates in Bend High’s mock trial team, and serves as a Sunday school teacher for second through fifth graders at her church.

The Washington Youth Tour is a program offered by cooperatives throughout the nation to high school juniors from their co-op membership.

Participants receive an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital where they are immersed in the nation’s history visiting sites like Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian.

In addition, students not only meet with other participants their age from across the nation, but they also get the opportunity to discuss current issues with representatives and senators.