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Every year, hundreds of high school juniors from across the nation get the unique opportunity to participate in the Youth Tour program, a one-of-a-kind educational trip to Washington, D.C., designed to inspire, educate, and  motivate the leaders of tomorrow. This year, the competition was fierce and we are thrilled to announce 2025's winners.

Congratulations to West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) 2025 Youth Tour winners, Isabella Coley, a junior at Blountstown High School and Ian Hatcher, a junior at Malone School. Will O'Bryan of Altha School is the alternate winner. Coley and Hatcher will soon board a plane for an unforgettable adventure, representing WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour trip taking place June 16-21, 2025. They will travel with other students from Florida to meet up with over 1,000 other high school juniors from across the country to visit the Nation's Capital and its most iconic landmarks, learn more about leadership, our government and cooperatives. It's an experience that will undoubtedly shape their future as they explore the heart of our country's political landscape.

Coley and Hatcher also won $1,000 college scholarships to use at any college, university, or technical school of their choice. O'Bryan won a $500 scholarship.

The purpose of Youth Tour is to get students out of the classroom and familiarize them with the utility that brings electricity to their lives. They also get a first-hand look at the activities of our government at state and national levels.

For this year's Youth Tour winners, the journey to Washington, D.C., represents more than just sightseeing - it's about learning, growing and building a deeper understanding of their role in shaping the future. As they participate in discussions with elected officials, meet peers from across the country, and tour landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian Museums, they will gain a new perspective on leadership and civic engagement.

West Florida Electric Cooperative is incredibly proud of all the this year's Youth Tour participants and 2025 Youth Tour Winners their dedication to learning and developing their leadership skills. The Youth Tour experience is just the beginning of what we know will be bright futures for these students.

This year's Youth Tour story is even more special for one of our students! Bella Coley's older sister, Sofia Coley Ridley, won West Florida Electric's Youth Tour competition in 2017. It's rare, but incredibly meaningful, to see two siblings gain this incredible opportunity, creating a family tradition and bond over their soon-to-be shared experience. This is a testament to the lasting impact the Youth Tour program has in our communities and the families who call this area home.

Check out upcoming newsletters to follow the winners' journey to Washington, D.C., and hear their first-hand accounts about their Youth Tour experiences.