Tristen Martin, a 2022 graduate of Spur High School, spent a week in Washington, D.C., thanks to South Plains Electric Cooperative. Through the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, an annual program sponsored by electric cooperatives nationwide, Martin joined about 100 fellow Texans for this trip June 12–21, 2022.
Martin is the daughter of Scott and Lisa Martin. Other South Plains Electric Cooperative representatives included Reagan Dennis, Idalou High School; Hudson Franks, Franks’ Academy; and AJ Kendrick, Shallowater High School.
The program evolved from an idea of then–Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, an advocate of rural electrification and youth supporter, who inspired cooperatives to send area students to the U.S. Capitol to see their American heritage and government at work. Since 1965, electric cooperatives in Texas have participated in the nationwide program, coordinated by Texas Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association. More than 3,800 Texas students have gone on the trip since its inception.
Events kicked off in Austin, where students toured the state capitol and its visitor center, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Next, the students flew to Washington, D.C., and began a whirlwind tour of the nation’s capitol, visiting the Washington National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, memorials and more. Activities included learning about rural electrification, seeing a performance at the Kennedy Center, going on a Potomac River boat cruise, and meeting elected officials.
For more information about the program, visit TexasYouthTour.com.
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