Contact: NOVEC Communications, 1-703-335-0500, communications@novec.com
MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) selected three area high school students to represent the Co-op at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour in Washington from June 17 to 21. Vaibhav Dwaraka, of the Academies of Loudoun and John Champe High School in Fairfax County, and Maddie Barbee Doerfler and Angela Goh, from Battlefield High School in Prince William County, joined 2,000 students, chaperones, and staff delegates from 44 states.
They learned about electric cooperatives, visited historical sites and museums, and met with lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives. While visiting the Capitol, NOVEC delegates heard from Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia; the students also had a spontaneous run-in with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Students gained insight into the legislative branch of the federal government and got a glimpse of the everyday responsibilities of elected officials and their staffs.
They also had a chance to give voice to causes they truly care about. Doerfler said she especially enjoyed talking with Jake Green, digital director for U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly of Virgnia’s 11th District. “Being able to speak to him about the policies being put in place and the ones they hope to work toward really opened my eyes about the changes Virginia could use and the people working to make it the best place possible.”
On a visit to the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative in Hughesville, Maryland, Doerfler said she came to understand “the strength and capability electricity holds. Seeing the live demonstration of wires in action really solidified the danger and beauty of it.”
During NRECA Youth Day, the students enjoyed a night of guest speakers from NRECA, NRECA International, and Youth Leadership Council. Students listened to the inspirational life story of four-time paralympic medalist Mike Schlappi.
All of the NOVEC students said they enjoyed their Youth Tour experience. “Having the opportunity to meet with people from different states” was the best part for Dwaraka. “Youth Tour was a great and fun opportunity to explore the nation's capital.”
Doh enjoyed social events like a Washington Nationals baseball game and a riverboat cruise on the Potomac, which “provided a nice environment and opportunities to talk with people.”
Doerfler was especially grateful to be able to visit places she had never seen before, like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She said, “I would absolutely recommend Youth Tour to anyone who’s able to go. It was a wonderful experience.”
