What started as a simple announcement in history class turned into an unforgettable experience for North Knox High School senior Kaylee Thompson.

During her junior year, school counselor Pat Hutchison shared information about a free trip to Washington, D.C., available to incoming seniors served by an electric cooperative. Having visited the nation's capital as an eighth grader, but remembering very little of it, Kaylee decided it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Each year, WIN Energy REMC sponsors local students to attend the Indiana Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, a week-long leadership experience that brings together students from electric cooperatives across the country.

Kaylee was a natural fit for the program. Throughout high school, she has balanced a 3.9 GPA while staying involved in soccer, cheerleading, student council, National Honor Society, serving as class vice president, working part-time jobs, and numerous other activities.

This year, 60 Indiana students representing 26 electric cooperatives joined more than 2,100 students from over 675 cooperatives nationwide. In the evenings, participants gathered for "Camp Co-op," where they connected with students from across the country and built lasting friendships.

The week was packed with memorable experiences, including visits to Flight 93 National Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the National Mall, the Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum, and the Marine Corps Sunset Parade. Students also toured the U.S. Capitol and met with Senator Todd Young on Capitol Hill, among other activities.

For Kaylee, Capitol Hill was the highlight of the trip. She enjoyed touring the Capitol, hearing Senator Young speak, and learning more about government and the different perspectives people hold.

While the historic sites were impressive, Kaylee says the friendships she made are what she'll remember most. The bus rides quickly became her favorite part of the week, giving students time to laugh, share stories, and get to know one another. She and three other girls even started a group chat. The 2026 Indiana Youth Tour group is already planning a reunion.

Interested in giving your student the opportunity to experience Youth Tour or another WIN Energy REMC youth program? Learn more at winenergyremc.com/youth-programs.