Annon Mahaffey of Beecher City, Katie Pieper of Stewardson and Zach Letizia of Neoga represented Shelby Electric Cooperative in Washington, D.C., during the annual “Youth to Washington” Tour, June 12-19. This event, sponsored by the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois, began 50 years ago to introduce rural youths to our democratic form of government and cooperatives.

The students met with Congressman John Shimkus and were among 65 rural Illinois youth leaders selected for the trip. The Illinois students joined 1,532 young leaders from across the country. In addition to the Capitol, they also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington National Cathedral, several Smithsonian Museums, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the World War II Memorial, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the National Archives, the Newseum and a number of other historical sites.

“The cooperative is pleased to be able to provide our outstanding area youth with these opportunities and these three students represented the cooperative well,” said Member Services Representative Marla Eversole who oversees this program for the cooperative.

Mahaffey went on the trip as part of the Willy Wirehand program after being selected as an alternate to the trip following Youth Day in Springfield back in April. Pieper and Letizia were selected winners of the trip that same day.