Caleb Clements
Son of Mike & Debbie Clements, Philip

Neil Graupmann
Son of Kenneth & Mary Graupmann, Kadoka

John Willoughby
Son of Jeff & Julie Willoughby, Midland

Washington, DC Trip:
Once a year West Central Electric sponsors one to four high school juniors on an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC. Each June, more than 1,200 high school juniors and seniors travel to Washington, DC, to participate in the Rural Electric Youth Tour. During the week, they learn about Washington, DC, government, cooperative philosophy and rural electrification. The students are selected and sponsored by their local rural electric cooperatives. The South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) coordinates arrangements for the South Dakota students. Among the sites that are toured are: Lincoln Memorial, National Cathedral, the White House, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Ford’s Theater, Kennedy Center, the Metro, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Smithsonian, Iwo Jima Statue, National Archives, U.S. Supreme Court and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Students will also participate in a breakfast briefing with the South Dakota Congressional delegation.

Who is eligible?
All area high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of West Central Electric are eligible to apply.

What does it cost?
West Central Electric, along with other rural electric cooperatives participating in this event, funds the tour. The funding of the tour provides for each participant’s transportation, room and board, entertainment and sight-seeing events. Students are required to provide their own personal spending money (snacks and souvenirs).

When is it held?
The weeklong trip is held in June. Participants meet for an orientation meeting on the first day in Sioux Falls. The group will fly to Washington, DC on the first day and return to South Dakota in the afternoon of the last day. A commercial bus will be used for transportation while in Washington, DC.

How do I qualify?

Each entrant must submit an essay, not to exceed 500 words, on the subject of "Why I Want to Participate in the Washington Youth Tour." All essays must be typed and include a cover sheet which states the title of the essay, the entrant’s name and the name of their school. Applications may be picked up from your local guidance counselor or from West Central Electric. All applications and essays must be received by West Central Electric on or before the deadline date.

Scholarships

Each year West Central supports continuing education for area students by offering several scholarships to high school seniors who are dependents of cooperative members.

In 2009 West Central Electric presented $11,000 in scholarships to 22 deserving high school students from our area.

2009 West Central Electric Scholarship Winners

Faith Begay
Daughter of Robert Begay & Julie Brinckmeyer, Lower Brule

Jordan Boyle
Daughter of Justin & Corinna Boyle, Vivian

Kassandra Estes
Daughter of Robert Traversie Sr & Gail Estes, Lower Brule

Brad Fuoss
Son of Robert & Diane Fuoss, Draper

Kayla Hamer
Daughter of Kenny & Diane Hamer, Kennebec

Ashley Hardin
Daughter of Janet Hardin, Lower Brule

Ethan Heckenlaible
Son of Ron & Joanne Heckenlaible, Fort Pierre

Michael Herber
Son of John & Lynn Herber, Kadoka

Michael Herman
Son of Tim & Rita Herman, Presho

Joseph Hieb
Son of Lowell Hieb & Sally Madison, Reliance

Kamaria Iversen
Daughter of Chris & Cheryl Iversen, Murdo

Skye Lindquist
Daughter of Kathleen Udehn, Kadoka

Caylee Lolley
Daughter of David & Carrie Lolley, Murdo

Mercades Martin
Daughter of Randy & Peggy Martin, Philip

Kayla O'Connell
Daughter of Roger & Teresa O'Connell, Philip

Ryan Schelske
Son of Steve & Ronda Schelske, Reliance

Grace Schnabel
Daughter of Doug & Nancy Thorson, Quinn

Ashley Schofield
Daughter of Jeffry & Renee Schofield, Kadoka

Benjamin Stout
Son of Thad & Penny Stout, Kadoka

Erica Uhlir
Daughter of Chris & Beth Feddersen, Murdo

Kirsten Wilcox
Daughter of Bob & Jeri Wilcox, Fort Pierre

Amy Yost
Daughter of Randy & Joy Yost, Hayes