Here are comments from some past participants…
The Youth Tour to me means unforgettable memories made on the bus and at the landmarks. It means lifelong friendships. It means patriotism, government in action and learning more about myself. It truly was a life-changing adventure.
Thanks again for everything you all do for this program and for the participants. I can honestly say that my life would not be the same without this trip. I learned so much about myself and made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Emily Tanner
sponpsored by SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc. - 2009
The Youth to Washington D.C. trip is one that I will never forget. Seeing all the sites like the White House, Supreme Court and Capitol Hill were amazing. Also getting to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was my favorite part of the trip. I made a lot of friends, some who I still talk to today!
Michael Berns – Virden, Illinois
sponsored by Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co. - 2007
The 2007 "Youth to Washington Tour" was one of the most educating and best experiences of my life! Some of my closest friendships resulted from being apart of the trip. This trip has truly changed my life on what I want to become when I am older. If I could, I would go back to Washington D.C. with the "Youth to Washington" kids and do all the same things again!
Jana Bonifacius
sponsored by Shelby Electric Cooperative - 2007
I think the Youth to Washington program is a great way to help today’s youth gain a better understanding of our government. On the trip, I gained a deeper understanding and greater respect for what the people running our government do. YTW taught us leadership skills through the YLC (Youth Leadership Council) and the Chip’ N ’Pop Co-op. I encourage every student to participate in the essay contest. I think that every American should go to Washington D.C. at least once in their life, and the trip is something I will never forget. YTW is a great opportunity, and is well worth trying for.
Kelsey Jarrett
sponsored by Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association - 2006
In the spring of 1975, I was so excited to have been chosen to participate in the “Youth to Washington” trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip – being exposed to the sights and activities of Washington, D.C. and meeting other students from Illinois and across the country.
It really made a difference in my life. The 1975 trip was my first real trip away from home without my family, and it gave me a wonderful appreciation for travel and learning. I want to take the opportunity to say thank you for the trip. I have such wonderful memories. It came at such an opportune time in my life and it truly made a difference.
Becky (Uchtmann) Fair
sponsored by Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association - 1975
I was a participant in the 1968 “Youth to Washington” experience. The year 1968 was a turbulent time in this nation. The day we left for Washington was the day of Robert Kennedy’s funeral. I still remember the service being broadcast on the radio in the car on our way to Springfield. Later that week the Illinois delegation laid a wreath in Arlington at the Kennedy grave site.
From the Washington Monument to the Capitol, the Gettysburg battlefield to Arlington National Cemetery, the White House to the Library of Congress, the “Youth to Washington trip offered us a glimpse of important historic places, and gave me a chance to meet Congressional representatives. It was also the only time I have ever seen a U.S. President. Even though the 1960’s were turbulent, the trip grounded its participants in patriotism and an appreciation of national history. It was truly a trip to remember!
Nancy Crow, Mendon
sponsored by Adams Electric Cooperative - 1968
I’m not an Illinois alumnus but rather went to DC in 1965 through the support of the Medina Electric Coop in Hondo, Texas. Did it have an impact on my life… you bet! For a farm kid in very rural south Texas this was my first opportunity to see the world beyond the borders of Texas and to begin to set some life goals that lead eventually to a couple degrees from Texas A&M, a Ph.D. the from University of Illinois and eventually to the position that I now hold as Dean of the College of ACES. Sure, much of that story would probably have happened without the early Washington experience but I do travel to our capital regularly these days and on almost every trip I see something which reminds me that I was first there as a youth in the summer of ’65.
Robert A. Easter, Ph.D.,
Professor and Dean
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois
