News Summary
Eight local high school students from Aiken have been selected to participate in the 2025 Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit. These prestigious programs offer all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. and Columbia, where students will engage in leadership activities and learn about government. The selection process was competitive, involving essays, knowledge of Aiken Electric Cooperative, and interviews, ensuring that the most qualified students were chosen to represent their schools and community.
Aiken, SC – Eight local high school students have been selected to represent Aiken Electric Cooperative in prestigious programs, the 2025 Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit. These students will receive all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. and Columbia, which will provide them with invaluable experiences and learning opportunities.
The students chosen to attend the Washington Youth Tour, scheduled for June 15-21, 2025, include:
– Ella Miller, Strom Thurmond High
– Bryce Smith, Ridge Spring-Monetta High
– Cimora Lawrence, Aiken High
– Areionna Abney, Midland Valley High
– Sara Willis, Strom Thurmond High
– Cadence Poston, Horse Creek Academy
– Kennedi Savage, Midland Valley High (a statewide delegate sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina)
During the Youth Tour, delegates will engage with representatives from their congressional districts and visit major Washington, D.C. landmarks, including famous monuments, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, and Arlington National Cemetery. This annual event is designed to educate students about the nation’s government and inspire them to become active citizens in their communities.
Students who have been awarded spots in the 2025 Cooperative Youth Summit are:
– Anyia Ruiz, Swansea High
– Bailey Poston, Horse Creek Academy
– Jillisa Hallmon, homeschool student
– Bryce Smith, Ridge Spring-Monetta High
– Areionna Abney, Midland Valley High
The Cooperative Youth Summit is a four-day leadership conference held in Columbia. The program aims to enhance students’ leadership skills while educating them about cooperatives and state government. Attendees will also visit key venues such as the Statehouse and Riverbanks Zoo, providing a broader understanding of local governance and community engagement.
Selection for both programs was competitive; students submitted essays, demonstrated knowledge of Aiken Electric Cooperative, and participated in in-person interviews. The comprehensive selection process ensured that the most qualified students were chosen to represent their respective schools and communities.
Aiken Electric Cooperative, which serves over 50,000 customers across a nine-county area, fully covers all expenses for the selected delegates. As a Touchstone Energy cooperative, Aiken Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility dedicated to providing quality service and supporting the development of young leaders through such enriching programs.
The opportunities provided by these programs not only benefit the students but also foster a sense of community involvement and leadership among the youth of Aiken. Through this initiative, Aiken Electric Cooperative continues its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
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Additional Resources
- Aiken Electric Youth Tour Article
- Wikipedia: Youth Tour
- Run United Aiken Electric Cooperative Article
- Google Search: Aiken Electric Cooperative
- Aiken County Election Article
- Google Scholar: Aiken history
- Best and Brightest Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Aiken News Archive Article
- Google News: Aiken news
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
