Fredericksburg, Va. – Going beyond the textbook, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) recently hosted its annual Richmond Youth Legislative Day. Natalie Heiser of Culpeper, Nada Ismael of Fauquier, Jeremy Petrie and Abigail Varricchio of Frederick, Karrington Wilson and Kennedi Wilson of Hanover, students from REC’s 2018 Washington Youth Tour program, traveled to Richmond to see Virginia state government in action.
 
While there, the students brought their school lessons to life by visiting with House of Delegate members Michael J. Webert, R-Fauquier, and Hyland F. “Buddy” Fowler, R-Hanover, attending a session of the Virginia House of Delegates and touring the Virginia State Capitol.
 
When speaking to the students, the officials stressed the importance of younger adults participating in the democratic process and offered insight into the legislative issues affecting Virginia at the state level.
 
“It’s very important for high school students to become involved in the democratic process,” said Brian Wolfe, REC’s youth tour coordinator. “The Cooperative’s Youth Tour program provides students a stepping stone to learning how they can make a difference. And actions by the General Assembly directly impact every one of us, including young adults.”
 
Know a rising high school junior? Encourage them to apply! Applications for the 2019 Washington Youth Tour have closed, but applications for the 2020 trip are open year round. For additional information about the program or to obtain an application, please visit www.myrec.coop/youthtour or contact Brian Wolfe at 1-800-552-3904, ext. 5914.
REC provides electric service to over 168,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.