Jackson Bixler and Elle Jacobsson, rising seniors at Richmond Hill High School, recently completed a week-long tour of the nation’s capital through the Washington Youth Tour program.

The trip brings together more than 1,600 talented, ambitious young people from across the country for a week in the nation's capital to further develop their leadership skills. Activities on the trip included touring Arlington National Cemetery, cruising the Potomac, visiting the Supreme Court and meeting with legislators.

“I understand more about what our representatives and senators are working on and how our area’s issues affect policy on a greater spectrum,” Jacobsson said.

Bixler also said he enjoyed meeting our community’s civil servants.

“Being able to meet people from Georgia who are in Washington working with our government was a great experience,” Bixler said. “I definitely learned how to get out of my own comfort zone.”

Since 1964, the Washington Youth Tour has given more than 50,000 students representing 640 of America’s electric cooperatives the opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Coastal Electric Cooperative has sponsored more than 120 local students as Washington Youth Tour delegates.

Both Bixler and Jacobsson were awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation. The Foundation’s support comes from the members of Coastal Electric Cooperative who make voluntary contributions on their electric bills through Operation Round Up.

“The average contribution is just $6 per year, but this small change helps to change the lives of many of our young people,” said Whit Hollowell, Coastal Electric CEO. “We believe in the Washington Youth Tour program, and we are glad to play a part in the success of these bright students.”

Coastal Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned power supplier serving Bryan, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties. The co-op headquarters is in Midway.