Local Student Attends Indiana Youth Tour
Plymouth, Ind. – Indiana Youth Tour provides young Hoosiers the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital, experience American history, learn more about government and gain a better understanding about their electric cooperative.
Each June, Indiana’s electric cooperatives sponsor and all-expenses-paid leadership experience to Washington D.C., for high school seniors-to-be. In 2026, Marshall County REMC (MCREMC) has the opportunity to sponsor one local student to attend.
Ava VanDerWeele of Argos High School was selected from a group of applicants to join their peers from across the state, embarking on a journey designed not only to strengthen their education and leadership skills but also to build new friendships.
“Marshall County REMC is thrilled to offer this life-changing opportunity to local students,” said President and CEO Dave Lewallen. “The trip allows them to experience government up close, connect with other young leaders, and understand how they can make a real impact in their communities.”
During the seven-day trip, held June 14–21, VanDerWeele and fellow students visited Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials. They also had the opportunity to meet with members of Indiana’s congressional delegation.
Ava also participated in a youth event hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and spent a day on Capitol Hill, where they had an opportunity to meet with Indiana’s congressional delegation to ask questions and share their thoughts on a variety of timely issues.
Students interested in learning more about next year’s trip can apply beginning November 2, 2026. To learn more about Youth Tour visit https://www.indianaec.org/programs/youth/youth-tour/