2004 East Central Energy Youth Tour winners (left to right) Alexander Ames (Pine City), Kayla Richter (Mora) and Soo Gunderson (Mora).

East Central Energy sponsors three area students for Washington, DC Youth Tour

BRAHAM, Minn. - East Central Energy will sponsor three area high school juniors to participate in the 2004 Washington, DC Youth Tour this June. Nine applicants submitted essays and winners were selected from a field of five finalists who made oral presentations and interviewed with a three-judge panel.

In his speech, Alexander Ames of Pine City shared his thoughts on community service. "My rural community has come a long way since its founding. Some is natural growth, but the majority of advancement relies upon the efforts of devoted citizens. I feel that, through my efforts in the community, I have begun to take up my duties where my predecessors left off."

Kayla Richter of Mora offered a similar perspective. "My community has played an essential role in my upbringing, so what better way than volunteering to give back to the place that has been so good to me."

Kayla's classmate from Mora, Soo Gunderson, said dedicated volunteers make Mora a warm and friendly community. "I enjoy giving back to my community not only because it's a wonderful feeling of joy, but because it's one reason why people can call somewhere home."

Alex, Kayla and Soo will join other high school juniors sponsored by electric cooperatives across the nation to learn about American politics and history. The tour includes visits to historic sites and meetings with elected representatives.

"We had an excellent field of applicants," said John Heino, ECE vice president of business and community relations. "The quality of these young leaders made the judging difficult, but it also gave us great optimism that our future is in good hands."

East Central Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 52,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE also provides Internet and long distance services.