SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. — Six outstanding students from across the Sequatchie Valley region are on their way to the nation’s capital as part of the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, sponsored by Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) and SVEConnect, and other local cooperatives around the country.
The students earned the opportunity through SVEC’s annual Washington Youth Tour Writing Contest, which challenges high school juniors to demonstrate their understanding of electric cooperatives and the impact they have on local communities. The program is designed to recognize leadership potential, encourage civic engagement, and provide students with a firsthand look at American government and history.
According to SVEC, first-place winners receive the opportunity to participate in the Washington Youth Tour, a leadership and educational experience that allows students to visit Washington, D.C., meet elected officials, learn about government, and network with fellow student leaders from across the country. Second- and third-place winners receive scholarships to help further their educational goals.
This year’s delegates are:
- Gracelyn Green — Grundy County High School
- Gabby Cagle — Richard Hardy Memorial School
- Rachael Anunziato — Marion County High School
- Hunter Baugh — South Pittsburg High School
- Justin Melton — Bledsoe County High School
- Tim Yates — Whitwell High School
Photo courtesy: Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative/SVEConnect
Before departing for Washington, the students were recognized by SVEC and SVEConnect during a send-off event. Representatives from the cooperative wished the delegates safe travels and encouraged them to make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We’re proud to support these bright young leaders from right here in our community,” SVEC stated in a social media post announcing the delegates.
The Washington Youth Tour is coordinated by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and local electric cooperatives across the state. Since its creation, the program has provided thousands of Tennessee students with an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., learn about government and public policy, and develop leadership skills that can benefit their communities for years to come. The tour traces its roots back to 1957, when President Lyndon B. Johnson encouraged electric cooperatives to bring young people to the nation’s capital to learn more about the democratic process. More than 6,000 Tennessee students have participated in the program over the years
During their time in Washington, delegates will join students from electric cooperatives across Tennessee and the nation for a packed itinerary that includes visits to historic landmarks, museums, memorials, and government institutions. Students typically tour the Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Capitol, the White House area, and other nationally significant sites while also meeting elected officials and learning about the role cooperatives play in serving rural America.
In addition to the educational opportunities, participants gain valuable leadership experience by interacting with fellow students from across the country. Tennessee delegates also have the opportunity to compete for selection to the Youth Leadership Council, a national program that provides additional leadership training and representation opportunities for outstanding participants.
SVEC officials said they are proud to invest in local youth and help provide experiences that broaden students’ understanding of government, leadership, and community service.
As the six delegates spend the week exploring the nation’s capital, they are also serving as ambassadors for their schools, communities, and the Sequatchie Valley region.
