Salt River Electric Announces Washington Youth Tour Selections
Three Local Students to Receive Paid Trip to Washington, D.C. This Summer
Salt River Electric has selected three local high school juniors to represent the cooperative during the 2025 “Government in Action” Washington Youth Tour this June.
The participants are:
- Noah Downey, Bethlehem High School
- Makayla Meyer, Bullitt East High School
- Ella Sharp, Bardstown High School
Kentucky is one of over 40 states that send students to Washington, D.C. each summer, where participants will meet with their U.S. congressional members, tour national landmarks and museums, and learn about how electric cooperatives contribute to their communities. Salt River Electric’s students will travel as part of Kentucky’s statewide delegation, providing them with the opportunity to connect with fellow students from across the state as they represent Kentucky’s electric cooperatives.
“For the first time in many years, Salt River Electric is proud to once again participate in the Washington Youth Tour,” said Manager of Communications Zach Epperson. “This program provides our students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with their government and develop leadership skills, while also showcasing to them the important role cooperatives play in the communities we serve.”
In addition to being selected for the June trip, Salt River’s students first participated in the Frankfort Youth Tour on Thursday, March 13th, where they joined over 100 students from various Kentucky electric cooperatives at the Kentucky State Capitol. There, students engaged with state lawmakers, toured the capitol, and discussed civic engagement and the utility industry.
Student Reflections on the Frankfort Youth Tour:
- Noah Downey: “What I liked most about the trip to Frankfort was getting to meet new people, and even make new friends in the process. I also enjoyed gaining more knowledge about my state capitol, and having the opportunity to represent Salt River Electric.”
- Ella Sharp: “I enjoyed learning about how our elected officials are working to make the future better for us! I also loved getting to meet some amazing people from other cooperatives, and I’m honored to be selected to represent Salt River in DC. I know this opportunity will help me with future leadership opportunities and connections.”
- Makayla Meyer: “In Frankfort, I enjoyed meeting new people, gaining a deeper understanding of state politics, and seeing how my leadership skills can help shape a better future. I’m incredibly grateful to represent Salt River Electric in Washington, D.C. this summer. I hope to use the experience and knowledge I gain to grow as a leader and community member.”
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About Salt River Electric
Since 1937, Salt River Electric has provided “the gift of light” to the communities of Nelson, Bullitt, Spencer, and Washington counties. The cooperative is a community-based, member-owned utility that’s ready to meet the energy needs of all of members, from farm and home to commercial and industrial. Salt River serves over 56,000 members and maintains over 4,400 miles of line.