Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, [email protected]
NOVEC sponsored Youth Tour students (FROM LEFT) Alexa Zarkauskas, Grace Kestler,
Jordan Asinugo and Bora Yoon visited the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) sponsored four local high school students for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour in Washington, from June 19 to 23. They, along with nearly 1,800 other students from across the nation, learned about cooperatives, visited historic sites and museums, and saw the federal government in action.
The NOVEC-sponsored students were selected from a pool of excellent applicants. They were:
- Jordan Asinugo, of Battlefield High School in Haymarket
- Bora Yoon, of Battlefield High School
- Grace Kestler, of Loudoun Valley High School in Leesburg
- Alexa Zarkauskas, of C. D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge
During the tour of the U.S. Capitol, students visited the Senate Gallery and watched the legislative process in action as senators voted on a resolution. The NOVEC students had the opportunity to speak with United States Sen. Sen. John Fetterman as well as a staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia.
The students also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. They enjoyed The Lion King at the Kennedy Center, a Potomac River cruise, and the National Zoo.
“The students and I were able to accomplish a lot during our week together,” said Jennifer Shaskan, NOVEC communications and engagement specialist, who accompanied the students throughout Youth Tour. “We all felt that visiting the Capitol was definitely a highlight.”
All of the NOVEC students said they were pleased with their Youth Tour experience. “The Kennedy Center performance was so creative. … I hope I can go back to another show soon,” said Asinugo.
“Getting the chance to speak to those who run our country and building connections with other passionate students and adults working at electric cooperatives is an experience I will always cherish,” Yoon said.
Kestler said, “Hearing everyone’s stories has inspired me to create a difference and stand out for good.”
Zarkauskas noted the opportunity to connect with students from all over the country was a pleasant surprise. “I really enjoyed getting to hear how people not even two hours away are so different yet so similar to me,” she said.
Applications will open in January 2024 for next summer’s Youth Tour.
