Capitol Encounters

Youth Tour winners spend unforgettable week in Washington, D.C.

by JoMarie Ramsey

Four Oklahoma high school juniors stepped off the plane in June carrying more than just souvenirs—they brought back sharper perspectives, tighter bonds and memories of an unforgettable week in the nation's capitol.

Emrie Hays, Jennings Johnson, Tiffany Vartanian and Ava Duarte represented Oklahoma Electric Cooperative on the 2025 Oklahoma Youth Tour, joining 69 other students from across the state and more than 1,700 delegates nationwide. Students visited historic landmarks, met with lawmakers and formed friendships that will last long after the trip.

"Visiting our nation's capital put into perspective how the country operates as a whole," Johnson said. "It made me want to do more for the people around me, contribute to more local causes and strive to become the best version of myself."

Over seven action-packed days, the group saw firsthand the places that shaped American history—from Fort McHenry to the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. In a standout moment for the Oklahoma group, an Oklahoma senator led them on an exclusive nighttime tour of the U.S. Capitol building.

"That truly shows how special this trip is," Vartanian said. "Getting the opportunity to see inside our nation's capital is something not everyone gets to experience."

For Vartanian, the trip wasn't just about the sites—it was personal growth.

"I learned to come out of my comfort zone and talk to everyone because you never know the impact they could have on your life," she said.

Beyond the monuments, Youth Tour gave students a front-row seat to the democratic process—and the confidence to use their voice within it. They heard directly from congressional staffers, asked questions during policy panels and exchanged ideas with students from 45 states. It was a week of civic immersion that brought textbooks to life.

"Getting to tour and experience the places I've learned about throughout my years of history class was not only breathtaking but grounding," Duarte said. "This trip is the only time I have ever instantaneously felt I belonged."

That sense of belonging didn't stop when the tours ended. New friendships formed quickly and deeply—an unexpected bond among students who found common ground quickly.

"The people you go through this trip with will impact you the rest of your life," Vartanian said. "These are lifelong connections you'll never lose."

OEC sees that connection as central to the program's value.

"We want these students to come back inspired to lead in their communities," said OEC Community Outreach

Associate Carrie Koesler. "It's not just about the monuments and museums— it's about helping them see themselves as part of something bigger."

For the four students who took on the challenge—and the adventure—the Youth Tour offered more than memories. It offered momentum. And just like that, one week in Washington turned into something that will last a lifetime.