Nicholas Boyle
Son of Justin & Corinna Boyle, Vivian

Dacey Bryan
Daughter of Heath & LeRonda Bryan, Draper

Walker Iversen
Son of Roy & Judy Iversen, Murdo

Kianna Knutson
Daughter of Barry & Edna Knutson, Philip

Mariah Krogman
Daughter of Neil & Kathy Krogman, White River

Shantel Norman
Daughter of Zay & Carrie Norman, Hayes

Cassidy Trapp
Daughter of Mike & Debbie Trapp, 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 2011 West Central Electric presented $9,000 in scholarships to 18 deserving high school students from our area.

2011 West Central Electric Scholarship Winners

Danielle Anderson
Daughter of Michael & Annette Anderson, Kennebec

Emmylu Antonsen
Daughter of Jim & Debbie Antonsen, Kadoka

Abby Carley
Daughter of Phil & Karen Carley, Milesville

Shae Carter
Daughter of Kevin & Sarah Carter, Fort Pierre

Bailey Heninger
Daughter of Donnie & Teri Heninger, Fort Pierre

Beau Ferguson
Son of Greg & Cristi Ferguson, Philip

Tia Hulce
Daughter of Matt Eymer & Chelsie Hulce, Reliance

Lindsey Hamer
Daugher of Kenny & Diane Hamer, Kennebec

Sophie Iversen
Daughter of Chris & Cheryl Iversen, Murdo

Dana Lien
Daughter of Stan Lien & Andrea Francis, Presho

Kelly Longden
Son of Gene & Marcia Longden, Oacoma

Kia Miller
Daughter of Kenneth & Carmen Miller, Draper

Amanda Speckels
Daughter of Leroy Choal & Susan Speckels, Reliance

Taylor Patrick
Daughter of Kevin & Jeanine Patrick, Vivian

Fernanda Montoya
Daughter of Kerry Herrera, Okaton

Zane Pekron
Son of Steve & Nina Pekron, Milesville

Tomilyn Trask
Daughter of Tom & Sheila Trask, Wasta

Courtney Venard
Daughter of Edward & Deborah Venard, Murdo