Washington Youth Tour

Washington Youth Tour Application

What is the Washington Youth Tour?

Every June, as many as 1,500 high school students from across the country spend a week in the nation’s capital as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
The students are sponsored by electric cooperatives – cooperatives that are committed to educating America’s rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities
Participating in the Youth Tour is an awesome way to learn about this great nation, develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of electric cooperatives, and make friendships that will last beyond the week!

Youth Tour with GCEC

Graham County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (GCEC) is proud to be a sponsor of the Washington Youth Tour (WYT) program.

Since 1999 GCEC has sent students each year on a week-long, all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
You’ll see places such as the U.S. Capitol, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Fort McHenry, Smithsonian Museums, and many other museums and memorials in the D.C area.
You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends as you join nearly 1,600 other students all sponsored by electric co-ops from across the country.

Washington Youth Tour Competition Rules

This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! GCEC is currently taking applications until Tuesday, November 4^th 2025, for the 2026 WYT (tentatively scheduled for June 13th through the 20th, 2026). Here are the rules for the competition:

Must be a Junior attending a High School in Graham County
Parents(s) or guardian(s) of student recipient must be a current member of Graham County Electric Coop (electric or water service)
Students must be between 15 and 18 years of age by June 1, 2026
Write an essay following the guidelines as described under essay guidelines and how to apply.
Finalist will be interviewed by a panel of judges

How to Apply

Please return the application and essay to Graham County Electric Cooperative, Inc., PO Drawer B, Pima, AZ 85543 before the deadline
You may also bring your application and essay to the Co-op Office located at 9 West Center Street in Pima or submit it online by completing our Youth Tour Application and submitting your essay below
When submitting your application and essay online, you should see a message that says: “Thank you for completing the Washington Youth Tour Application form. Our team will review this information and reach out with any questions.”
You will also receive a confirmation email
If you do not see the message and/or receive the confirmation email then there may be a problem with your submission
Please contact the office to confirm your submission

All applications and essays for the 2026 trip are due no later than Tuesday, November 4th 2025.

For more information about WYT, please call Tracy Botkins, Local Tour Coordinator, at (928) 424-8675.

Essay Guidelines

Students will be required to prepare an essay using the following guidelines:

Topic: “Why are Electric Cooperatives important and how have they helped your family and your community?”
Write an essay discussing the above topic. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Use your imagination, be creative, and don’t worry whether yours will be like the other contestants. Everyone will have a different take on this, so just concern yourself with doing your personal best.
Must be the sole work of the contestant. Credits must be given for research material.
Contain no less than 350 and no more than 500 words.
Typed and double-spaced.
Judging of essays is anonymous. Do not write your name on the essay, or identify yourself in any way in the contents. Each essay will be assigned a number when it is received.

Essays will be judged anonymously, using the following criteria:

Knowledge of Subject: Depth of information, effectiveness of message
Originality: Freshness of thought, responsiveness to topic
Composition: Organization of thoughts, coherence / unity, effective transitions
Neatness: Adherence to guidelines, grammatical correctness
Persuasiveness: Overall impact of essay

2026 Washington Youth Tour Winners Announced

Adam Bryce

Adam Bryce is a junior at Pima High School who is actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. He participates in football, track and field, wrestling, cross country, NHS, FBLA, and student council. Adam is enrolled in the GIFT Industrial Electrician Program and has earned recognition for academic excellence as well as athletic achievements, including all-region football honors and a state-level finish in track. He is engaged in his community through 4-H and volunteer service projects, and he plans to pursue a career in electrical work after graduation.

Temperance Bigler

Temperance Bigler is a junior at Pima High School who is highly involved in academics, athletics, and the arts. She serves as a co-captain of the cheer team and participates in marching band, concert band, FBLA, NHS, track and field, and show choir. Temperance has earned recognition at the state and national levels through FBLA and marching band, and she is a three-time Grand Country Champion in senior rabbit showmanship. She is actively engaged in her community through volunteering, performing in local productions, and supporting community events. Temperance plans to pursue a long-term career in the medical field, beginning with nursing studies.

Hinckley Nelson

Hinckley Nelson is a junior at Pima High School who is deeply involved in academics, athletics, and community service. She participates in cross country, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and the Town of Pima swim team, and is a member of NHS, HOSA, FBLA, and the GIFT Sports Medicine Program at Eastern Arizona College. Hinckley has earned multiple academic and athletic honors, including Honor Roll recognition, Defensive Player of the Year in basketball, and top swimmer honors for the Town of Pima. She is highly active in her community through leadership roles, volunteer service, and youth programs, and plans to pursue a career in healthcare or physical therapy.

Ashlee Horgan

Ashlee Horgan is a junior at Pima High School with strong interests in academics, leadership, and the arts. She is actively involved in FBLA, NHS, orchestra, and culinary and business operations courses, and serves as VP of Finance for FBLA. Ashlee has earned multiple honors, including FBLA state and national recognition, orchestra achievements at the regional level, and Student of the Month. She is engaged in community service through volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, school service projects, and conservation and sustainability efforts. Ashlee plans to pursue higher education with the goal of entering the medical field while also continuing her interests in creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Eli Rogers

Eli Rogers is a junior at Pima High School who is actively involved in academics, career-focused programs, and community service. He participates in band, FBLA, and the Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT) Program at Eastern Arizona College. Eli is engaged in his community through volunteering at local events, supporting town activities, and assisting with family and community fundraisers. He has earned academic recognition and certification, including Microsoft Word certification and Honor Roll achievements. Eli plans to pursue a career as a lineman in the electric utility industry.

Hanna Ashby

Hanna Ashby is a junior at Pima High School who is actively involved in academics, athletics, and community service. She participates in soccer, basketball, and track, and is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, and the GIFT Sports Medicine Program. Hanna has earned multiple academic and athletic honors, including Gold Honor Roll recognition and success at the state level in FBLA competition. She is engaged in her community through church service, local cleanup projects, and youth sports programs. Hanna plans to pursue higher education with the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist, while also exploring photography as a future side business.

Previous Washington Youth Tour Winners

Laura Victor is a high school Honors Roll junior who’s involved in NACC (Native America Culture Club) and FFA (Future Farmers of America). Laura enjoys spending her time beading, fishing, painting, taking pictures, being with her family and friends, and helping out with her Tribe. She aspires to study Business Administration after high school and hopes to one day start her own business.

Natalee Ballard is a junior at Safford High school. She is one of the captains of their Cheer Team who loves choreographing routines for both cheer and dance. She also is a dancer at the Safford Dance Academy. Natalee is a member of the National Honors Society who is even taking college credit hours to ideally become an EMT. After high school, Natalee wants to be a paramedic who studies premed and eventually becomes a doctor/surgeon as she’s always wanted to be in the medical field- especially to help children. As a NHS Member, she volunteers for the community for various organizations. She’s also involved with the Mini Monster Program, and in the GIFT Program so she can become an EMT.

Naveah Boone is a junior at Fort Thomas high school who loves roller skating, writing, and learning new things. As both a high school and college cosmetology student, she doesn’t have much time for extracurricular activities. However, she’s found the time to be involved in the GIFT Program, FFA, and being a manager for the football team. After graduating, Neveah hopes to be a cosmetologist, but would also settle for being a business leader or CEO.

Phoebe Tarnutzer is a Safford High School junior who loves spending time outdoors for nearly any reason, but especially being in the mountains. Phoebe is a National Honor Society member who has proudly maintained her 4.0 all high school. She also is in the GIFT Program for healthcare, and has taken an eclectic assortment of classes. As someone who puts her entire heart and soul into everything she does, it’s not surprising that she is deeply involved in the community of the Gila Valley, nor is it surprising that she made the Varsity tennis team her first year. After highschool, Phoebe hopes to go to college to become a radiologist.

Sadie Dorr is a junior at Thatcher High School who enjoys playing the piano, running, spending time with her family, hanging out with her friends, baking, and playing sports. Several sports such as track, soccer, and cross country take up her time as well as show choir. She’s a National Honor Society member who has been involved in several service projects in her community. Sadie’s inclusive, kind, and uplifing personality coupled with her love of learning are fuelling her hopes of attending college to be a dental hygienist, nurse, or early childhood educator.

Camden Bryce is a Pima High School junior who enjoys being Drum Major for the school marching band and playing on the varsity football team. Besides watching TV and reading, Camden has unique interests in swordplay, Star Wars, Medieval and ancient warfare logistics, and playing Yu-Gi-Oh! with his brothers. Camden likes to sing and act. He’s been in 6 plays, sang in various choirs, and played in many community sports leagues. He’s received many academic awards including 3 Outstanding Drum Major awards and 3 Student of the Month recognitions. He’s also a participant in the GIFT Program in Healthcare. Since they allegedly make good money and can live almost anywhere, Camden hopes to be a Pharmacist after graduating High School.

Chloe Skinner is a junior at Pima High School who enjoys being outside, reading, and playing on the high school volleyball team. As a student taking Culinary, she’s a member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She’s started her own business selling homemade pies, and helped build wheelchair ramps for Texans in need. As someone who is hardworking and eager to learn who loves meeting new people and hearing their stories, it’s no wonder that she loves traveling. Chloe aspires to become a doctor after attending medical school following high school graduation.
Lucy Rogers is a student from Pima High School. She enjoys painting and has been taking art classes for a few years from someone with a master’s degree in art. She also enjoys decorating, reading and learning about the world, and is learning to play the guitar with her friends. She is a co-captain of the drum line and takes a dance class in the first hour of school. Lucy helped pack food on a Saturday morning for children and families in third world countries and is always looking out for people that might need help as well. She also helped in different school fundraisers; such as the Turkey trot, and the band fundraiser. After graduating, Lucy hopes to become an esthetician and makeup artist in the future.

Camden Montierth is a student from Safford High School. He enjoys playing music, specifically piano and trumpet, working on his car, basketball, and mountain biking. He tries to be as involved as possible in his school’s activities as well as sports. Through volunteering with his church, Camden has had numerous opportunities to serve members of his community. He has received several honors while in high school. After graduating, Caleb plans to attend university.

Mia Ashby is a student from Pima High School.She enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends as well as math and science. She is involved in FBLA, basketball, soccer, tennis, and loves attending community events. After graduating high school, she plans to attend NAU or BYU. She interested in their nursing program and wants to become a nurse to help others.

Kamea Nelson is a student from Pima High School. She enjoys writing and performing music, singing, playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele, hiking with her family, and sports, especially volleyball. She is a member of Pima Show Choir, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society (NHS), and is active in the LDS Seminary program at her school. She is also a member of the French Club and has played both JV Basketball and JV and Varsity Volleyball and is active in the weight lifting program at Pima High. She is active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving both on the Pima stake youth committee and as the prelude pianist for Sunday worship. After graduating, Kamea wants to be an Obstetrician (OB). She would love to be involved in the miracle of bringing a baby into the world. She would also like to be a mother and raise a family.

Brookie Burk is a student from Pima High School. One of her hobbies is showing steers. She also enjoy playing basketball and tennis and really enjoys baking. She has participated in Link Crew and Student Council, FFA, FBLA, and Culinary. Brookie has volunteered her time with camps for volleyball and Basketball and has a leadership calling in my church and helps plan activities that bring youth together. After graduating, Brookie wants to go to college to become a Speech Pathologist. She is currently working towards that by taking college classes and aiming to receive her associates by the time she graduate high school.
Caleb Baldwin is a student from Safford High School and the son of Tamara and Merlin Baldwin. He enjoys soccer, video games, camping, bird watching, piano and both playing and listening to music. He has been involved in National Honor Society service projects, Boy Scouts of America and is a volunteer AYSO referee. His future plans are to become an engineer, after graduating high school.

Brock Bryce is a student at Pima High School and the son of Josh and Katy Bryce. He is involved in football, wrestling and choir. He takes dual credit classes at Eastern AZ College. He has helped in the community by cleaning the Bryce Cemetery, selling concessions at the Pioneer Day Rodeo and has sung the National Anthem for local events. He made Regional and All State Choir as a freshman. In his BIO he states, “I’m a hard worker and am also enthusiastic about life”.

Lexi Nabor is attending Thatcher High School. She is the daughter of Raquel Nabor. She enjoys bike riding, acting in school plays, painting, fishing with cousins and cooking with her grandma. Besides being in student council, Lexi volunteers for working the concession stand at football games and acting or directing drama class plays. She volunteers at SEACUS and picking up trash in the school courtyards. Her career goal is to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and a job the helps or inspires others.

Ella Price is also attending Safford High School and is the daughter of Jered and Lani Price. Ella loves the arts. Her interests are exploring different mediums such as water color, ceramic, sewing, oil painting, crocheting, and chalk. She is active in playing tennis and basketball with friends. Her favorite subject is Math! Ella is pursuing graphic design and digital publishing through the GIFT program. This is a great start to pursuing her dream of creating and designing things that will better the people and the society in which we live.

Jessica Schmidt is also from Pima High School. Her parents are Gerald and Leasa Schmidt. Jessica loves any type of sport. She has played volleyball, track, basketball, swimming and hiking. She enjoys working with the dogs in their family business. As a freshman, Jessica received the Volleyball Hardest Worker award and in basketball received the Defensive Player of the year. While in track she received the Most Improved Award. This past year, Jessica was on the Volleyball 2nd Team for All Conference. Her career goals are to attend Eastern Arizona College and then obtain a clinical psychology degree at the University of Arizona.
Ayla Finch, attending Safford High School, loves reading and writing with occasional drawing. She has taught herself to play the guitar. Actively engaged in the high school choir, Ayla is the 2021 Vice-President and the current President of band. Her future interests include becoming an urban planner and working with citizens of the community.

Chris Curtis, also attending Safford High School, loves to learn and fix things. He enjoys taking machines and electronics apart and examining how the components work. He is the Communications Director for Safford High School’s National Honor Society and helps plan fundraisers, service projects, and school activities. His goal is the obtain an Electrical Engineering Degree with a focus on energy production systems. Perhaps his future might be with NASA.

Garet Morris attends Pima High School and performs in musical theater. He has had opportunities to perform in school, church, and other community organizations. He loves playing the trumpet, cornet, and ukulele as well as dabbling in piano and guitar. Garet maintains a 4.0 AGPA and takes college classes. His future endeavors include something in the entertainment industry as a performer, singer, actor, or teaching kids in music. He would love to pursue writing his own songs.

Joshua Simmons a Thatcher High School student, has many interests and hobbies. Some include golf, piano, guitar, and building computers. Joshua has participated in the Arizona Study Program in piano for several years. Not sure of his future, he has interests in computer science, math, or science such as engineering or physics.

Karlee Napier of Ft Thomas High School enjoys volleyball, softball, baking, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends. She is an active member of FFA and FBLA as well as Vice-President of the Athletic Club in Ft. Thomas. Karlee’s future aspirations include becoming a real estate agent and working with kids either in a daycare setting or teaching.
The following students were selected to attend the 2020 Washington Youth Tour in Washington DC from June 18th to June 25th:

Jake Beals and Kai Nelson – Pima High School

Mazie Hunt and the late Kade Nelson – Thatcher High School

Kendra Fuentes – Ft Thomas High School

Trett Wiltbank – Safford High School

2020 Youth Tour Winners Article (PDF)

Update for 2020 Washington Youth Tour:

Unfortunately, for the safety of our students and those attending the tour, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has canceled the tour for 2020. We want to thank our students for all their hard work in getting selected. The GCEC Foundation committee will discuss other considerations for these students.
The following 7 students were recently selected to attend the 2019 Washington Youth Tour in Washington DC from June 13th to June 20th:

Kyler Napier – Ft. Thomas High School

Vivianna Talgo – Ft. Thomas High School

Morgan Miller – Pima High School

Levi Thygerson – Pima High School

Ella Peterson – Safford High School

Grace Haller – Thatcher High School

Katelyn Martin – Thatcher High School

You can read bout the winners and their trip in the following articles:

September 2019 Currents Magazine (PDF)

2019 Washington Youth Tour Article (PDF)

2019 Washington Youth Tour Winner Announcement (PDF)

2019 Youth Tour Video
Hayden Ashby from Pima High School is the son of Anetta and Than Ashby. Hayden loves spending time with his family. He has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Hayden helps with many service projects and is involved in sports.

Brock Jones from Thatcher High School is the son of Russ and Dana Jones. He is involved in athletics, singing, and playing musical instruments. Brock is interested in learning new things and learning to solve problems.

Camilla Larson from Safford High School is the daughter of Reed and MaryAnn Larson. She loves playing soccer, singing, dancing, public speaking, photography, and playing the piano. She is involved in community service and tries to plan and implement positive activities for youth groups.

Trae Nelson from Pima High School is the son of Jace and Melinda Nelson. He is involved in many school activities and enjoys hiking, snowboarding, swimming, reading and participating in triathlons. Trae leads peopke to work harder, to care more, and to be better.

Hayden Ashby

Brock Jones

Camilla Larson

Trae Nelson

WYT 2018 – Camilla Larson Video

Camilla Larson was selected to represent Arizona for the Youth Leadership Council for 2018-19. Hear all YLC speeches on the Co-ops Vote Facebook page (Camilla starts her speech around 33:10). She attended NRECA’s Annual Meeting in February 2019. Camilla is a Safford High School graduate. Hear what she says about her trip:

You can read bout the winners and their trip in the following articles:

September 2018 Youth Tour Article (PDF)

September 2018 Youth Leadership Article (PDF)

March 2018 Youth Tour Article (PDF)

2018 Washington Youth Tour Winners Announced (PDF)