2022 WFEC Youth Tour Brochure & Study Guide

Information for Parents: Tallahassee Trip Information:

WFEC Youth Tour Banquet:

included with the additional information you receive after you complete your Youth Tour application and return it to WFEC. Students should wear Youth Tour shirts & jeans (shirts will be delivered to you prior to the trip). Students will need to bring business casual clothes for Feb.17.

We will return by 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. on the 17.

Students may call when we leave Tallahassee to provide an approximate arrival time.

The date for WFEC’s annual Youth Tour competition & banquet will be announced at a later date. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews may be conducted via Zoom or alternative method. The banquet may be postponed or cancelled. More information will be supplied at a later date.

Instructions, trip itinerary and agenda will be

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, there is a possibility that the 2022 Youth Tour may get cancelled or modified to ensure the safety of all involved. If canceled, West Florida Electric Cooperative will still strive to provide participating students with a comparable experience in lieu of the in-person program. WFEC will still award four $4,000 scholarships to Chipola College.*

WFEC Chaperones:

3-4 chaperones who are employees of WFEC will accompany your student to Tallahassee.

Candace Croft

Communications & Public Relations Coordinator (Youth Tour Coordinator)

Terry Mullen

Manager of Marketing & Communications

Susie Johnson

Senior Executive Assistant

WFEC Phone Numbers:

(850) 263-3231 or (800) 342-7400

For Questions:

Candace Croft Communications & Public Relations Coordinator Cell: (850) 326-0475 Email: ccroft@westflorida.coop Office: (850) 263-3231, ext. 1178

For additional information about the Youth Tour Program visit: www.westflorida.coop www.nrecayouthprograms.coop

2022 West Florida Electric

Youth Tour Program Overview:

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Jackson Washington

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2020 Youth Tour Participants in Tallahassee

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§ ¦ ¨

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Each year, WFEC, along with the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA), sponsors a separate Youth Tour essay contest for the children & grandchildren WFEC of employees and trustees.

£ ¤

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JACOB

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WESTVILLE

You must be a high school junior and your parents/guardians must be members of West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC must be your electricity provider). Each high school in WFEC’s service area selects one student to represent them. All students chosen will be required to participate in the twoday, all-expenses paid trip to Tallahassee. Failure to attend the Tallahassee trip will automatically disqualify students from competing for the trip to Washington, D.C. and the scholarship program (unless prior approval to miss the trip is received from WFEC).

7 177

Am I eligible to compete?

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e

:

NOMA

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*See important info section*

Because you could win a FREE trip to Washington, D.C., for one week and make lots of new friends!

Even if you’re not selected as one of the two finalists, you’ll still get that FREE two-day trip to Tallahassee with other juniors from Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson & Washington counties. You will also have the opportunity to win a $4,000 college scholarship!

a

Electric cooperatives from all over the country hold competitions like this one. You’ll meet up with some of these students in Washington, D.C. in June, if you win. Once there, you’ll get a chance to meet & talk with congressional leaders from Florida at the U.S. Capitol, plus you’ll get to see all the sites and visit some really cool places! The purpose is to get you out of the classroom and familiarize you with the utility that brings electricity to your life. You’ll also get a firsthand look at the activities of our government in Tallahassee and Washington.

Board of Trustees - District Map Study Guide

Why Should I Participate?

Ma r s h

Youth Tour (YT) is an annual contest sponsored

by West Florida Electric Cooperative that gives high school juniors, like you, the opportunity to use their knowledge to compete for a FREE week-long trip to Washington, D.C. Everyone who participates in WFEC’s Youth Tour program will go to Tallahassee for two days, all-expenses-paid.

Not only will you possibly win a free trip to Washington, D.C., but you could also win a $4,000 scholarship to Chipola College! One scholarship will be awarded to the highest scoring YT participant from each county!

Walton Holmes

What is Youth Tour?

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 3:

Bay

5

§ ¦ ¨

CYPRESS

GRAND RIDGE

SNEADS

10

Jackson Calhoun

Calhoun

ALTHA

1 EBRO

BLOUNTSTOWN

Taken from the WFEC Bylaws: The territory served or to be served by the cooperative shall be divided into nine (9) districts, and each district shall be represented by one trustee. The original nine (9) district shall be as follows: District 1 - That part of Calhoun County served by the cooperative. Trustee: David Tatum District 2 - That part of Jackson County lying east of the Chipola River and between the north line of Calhoun County and the south line of Township 6 North. Trustee: Tim Alford District 3 - That part of Jackson County lying east of Marshall Creek, north of the south line of Township 6 North.

Trustee: Jackie Pooser

District 4 - That part of Jackson County lying west of Marshall Creek, west of the Chipola River, north of U.S. Hwy. 90 and east of Holmes Creek. Trustee: John Adams District 5 - That part of Jackson County south of U.S. Hwy. 90 and west of the Chipola River. Trustee: David

Corbin

District 6 - That part of Washington County served by the cooperative. Trustee: George Clayton Owens District 7 - That part of Holmes County lying east of State Road 79 from the south boundary of Holmes County to the junction of State Road 79 and State Road 177 and that portion of Holmes County lying east of State Road 177.

Trustee: Randy Bush

District 8 - That portion of Holmes County lying west of State Road 79, from the junction of State Road 177 and State Road 79 to the south county line of Holmes County and east of the Choctawhatchee River. Trustee: Joe 2020 YT participants were (l-r): Elijah Larry, Malone School; Addison O’Bryan, Altha School; Alyssa Brown, Bethlehem School; Josie Scott, Cottondale High School; Becca Mercer, Marianna High School; Morgan Yoder, Blountstown High School; Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School; Kayla Rister, Poplar Springs School, and Natalie Holton, Poplar Springs School.

Rone

District 9 - That part of Holmes County lying west of the Choctawhatchee River. Trustee: Myron Hudson

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 2: What does the acronym G&T stand for?

Generation and Transmission What energy sources are used to generate the electricity your cooperative uses? Natural gas, hydro, compressed air, biomass, wind, solar and some nuclear How did electric cooperatives get started?

In rural America in the 1930s, only the most affluent farmers or those living near towns could get electricity. Rural residents wanted the same benefits enjoyed by their city friends and neighbors. Investor-owned utilities would not extend power lines into the countryside because the farms were spread so far apart, they thought it would not be profitable.

On May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 7037 establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).

Groups of volunteers began going door to door to sign people up and collect a $5 membership fee. The $5 fee was a hardship for some, but they managed to find the money because they wanted electricity. WFEC’s membership fee is still $5 today.

What is RUS? The U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that continues the former Rural Electrification Administration’s (REA’s) mission of assisting rural utilities in providing electricity. RUS’s role is broader, encompassing rural infrastructure such as water and telecommunications.

What is the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)?

A service organization representing more than 900 rural electric systems in 48 states. NRECA is not supported by government funds nor is it an agency of the federal government.

What is the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA)? The state-wide service organization created

by Florida Electric Cooperatives to furnish services to co-ops that could not be economically provided by an individual cooperative. They handle legislative affairs, job training and safety, insurance, credit unions, publications, and many more services to Florida cooperatives, including coordinating the Washington Youth Tour Program.

What is Touchstone Energy®? Touchstone Energy® is a nationwide partnership of cooperative energy providers. As a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, co-ops can pool their resources, offer better services and participate in nationwide commitment to be the best energy providers possible. Touchstone Energy® partners are locally owned, locally based energy cooperatives that are more concerned with people than with profits.

What are the four core principles of the Touchstone Energy® brand? Integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

2020 Winners Youth Tour winners & alternate winner were: (l-r) Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Elijah Larry, Malone School, and Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School

Youth Tour Competition: How will the 2 finalists, alternate & scholarship recipients be selected?

Finalists will be chosen based on an interview with three judges. When filling out the application, each student is required to turn in a brief essay about themselves to help the judges get to know them & formulate interview questions. Students will be scored using the score guide below & those with the highest overall accumulated scores for each county will be selected as the trip & scholarship winners.

How can I win?

Study, study, study! This booklet contains everything you need to know about WFEC, the history of electric cooperatives and the history of Youth Tour.

What will I need to know for my interview?

WFEC has supplied a study guide to each school’s designated representative (in this booklet). Judges will select two winners & one alternate for the trip to D.C. and four scholarship winners (the highest score for each county) based on the highest accumulated scores & the percentages below.

How will I be scored?

Communication Skills: Personality: Knowledge of Subject: Poise/Appearance: Community Service:

25 points 25 points 25 points 15 points 10 points

Communication Skills/Personality: Maintain good eye contact, speak in a clear & audible voice and avoid speech interrupters such as uh, um, ah, you know, like, etc. The judges are looking for students that smile, are bright, cheerful and engaging, and are truly interested in the Youth Tour program.

Knowledge of Subject: Study this guide and other materials provided by WFEC. Poise/Appearance: Be sure to maintain good posture and don’t fidget during the interview.

Dress appropriately for the interview (something you’d wear to a job interview or church) and do not chew gum.

Community Service: Tell the judges how you contribute to your community by volunteering.

2020 Winners of the $4,000 Chipola College scholarships were: (l-r) Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Addison O’Bryan, Altha School; Elijah Larry, Malone School, and Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School

Questions?

Please call/email if you have questions regarding your Trustee or this study guide. Some interview questions will be taken from it, but a variety of personality & current events questions could also be asked. Judges may also ask about school, family, career plans, college, etc. Two winners & one alternate will be selected for the D.C. trip based on the highest accumulated scores.

Four scholarship winners will also be selected based on the highest accumulated scores (highest score for each county) and announced following the interviews.

History: The Washington Rural Electric Youth

Important Dates: January 6, 2022

Deadline for schools to choose a participant and have paperwork returned to WFEC.

February 16-17, 2022

All Youth Tour participants will spend two educational & fun-filled days in Tallahassee, touring Florida’s capital city.

June 14-19, 2022 *See note below*

Two winners from the WFEC local competition will join other Youth Tour winners from across the state for a six-day tour of Washington, D.C.

*Alternate plans may be put into place for the trip to Tallahassee or the trip to Washington, D.C. due to COVID-19.

Tour is a group of high school juniors who visit Washington, D.C. every June. Each year, WFEC selects two students as delegates for the Washington, D. C. Youth Tour program, which offers valuable opportunities for student leaders to learn about American history, government and the role of electric cooperatives. Delegates enjoy a week-long, allexpense-paid trip to the nation’s capital.

Youth Tour was inspired by Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) annual meeting in Chicago in 1957. The Senator & future president declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the nation’s Capitol where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

In 1958, an electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of young people on a week-long study tour of the nation’s capitol. Later that same year, another group came from Illinois. The idea continued to grow and other states began sending students throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” grew to 130 students.

In 1964, NRECA began coordinating activities for the state delegations and suggested reps from each state visit D.C. during Youth Tour week. The program has continued to grow and today, more than 1,600 students participate in Youth Tour. WFEC began participating in the Youth Tour in 1979 and has sent nearly 100 students on the trip since.

Very Important Information: COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS:

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 1: What is West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.? A not-for-profit corporation incorporated in 1937 under the laws of Florida for the purpose of providing electric service to its members at cost.

How are trustees selected to serve on the cooperative’s board? The nine trustees are voted on and elected by the members. Three trustees are elected each year to serve a three-year term. Each trustee is from a different district to assure that every area is represented.

Who is the trustee from your district or area? *See Page 3 of this study guide to determine* Who is the current President of the cooperative’s Board of Trustees? Joe Rone Who is the Executive Vice President & CEO of West Florida Electric Cooperative and what are his responsibilities? Ty Peel. The EVP & CEO is selected by the Board of Trustees to oversee the day-to-day operations of the cooperative within the policies established by the board.

How many meters does the cooperative serve?

Approximately 28,000 How many miles of line does the cooperative have? Approximately 4,800 What counties does WFEC serve? Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington

ALL West Florida Electric Youth Tour participants and chaperones may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for Tallahassee. Masks will be required on the trip to Tallahassee, unless you are otherwise informed.

How many members per mile of line does WFEC serve? Approximately six

ALL YOUTH TOUR STUDENTS who travel to Washington, D.C. with the group will be required to provide a

How much is WFEC’s membership fee? $5

negative COVID-19 test (no at home tests) within 72 hours of the trip to Washington, D.C. If a student is vaccinated, proof of vaccination must also be provided and must be brought with them on the trip. Masks will also be required unless otherwise informed by Youth Tour personnel. *Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, there is a possibility that the 2022 Youth Tour could get cancelled or modified to ensure the safety of all involved. If cancelled, WFEC will strive to provide participating students with a comparable experience in lieu of the in-person program. WFEC will still award four $4,000 scholarships to Chipola College.*

Who owns WFEC? Its members

What is a cooperative? A business enterprise jointly owned and equally controlled by those who use it. It is a form of business more interested in service to people than making money, though it must take in money to pay its way.

What is the purpose of the co-op’s annual meeting? Holding an annual meeting is required by the cooperative’s bylaws. WFEC members elect trustees to the board and amend the bylaws by mail ballot prior to the meeting, but the meeting still must be held each year to conduct other co-op business and update its members about the state of the cooperative.

What is a distribution cooperative? An electric cooperative that purchases wholesale power and delivers it to its members. WFEC is a distribution co-op.

How is a cooperative non-profit? After all expenses are paid at the end of the year, any excess revenue (margins) is assigned on the cooperative books to members who used the service on a pro-rated basis.

The co-op retains these funds, called Capital Credits, to use as operating funds. As the funds increase to the point that the co-op has more than is needed for operating funds, portions of these Capital Credits are refunded to the members on a first in-first out (FIFO) basis.

Do cooperatives pay taxes? Yes, rural electric cooperatives pay taxes on the same basis as other businesses. The only tax cooperatives do not pay is income tax. There is no profit, so there is no income tax to pay.

NRECA’s members provide electricity to approximately: 42 million people in 48 states What is PowerSouth? PowerSouth is a generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) headquartered in Andalusia, Alabama. They provide electricity to 16 distribution cooperatives in Alabama & Northwest Florida (including WFEC), 4 municipalities and 2 industrial mills. WFEC is a member-owner of PowerSouth just as those who use its services are member-owners of WFEC. What is a G&T? Generation and transmission cooperatives are power supply cooperatives owned by a group of distribution cooperatives.

G&Ts generate power or purchase it from public or investor-owned utilities or both.

History: The Washington Rural Electric Youth

Important Dates: January 6, 2022

Deadline for schools to choose a participant and have paperwork returned to WFEC.

February 16-17, 2022

All Youth Tour participants will spend two educational & fun-filled days in Tallahassee, touring Florida’s capital city.

June 14-19, 2022 *See note below*

Two winners from the WFEC local competition will join other Youth Tour winners from across the state for a six-day tour of Washington, D.C.

*Alternate plans may be put into place for the trip to Tallahassee or the trip to Washington, D.C. due to COVID-19.

Tour is a group of high school juniors who visit Washington, D.C. every June. Each year, WFEC selects two students as delegates for the Washington, D. C. Youth Tour program, which offers valuable opportunities for student leaders to learn about American history, government and the role of electric cooperatives. Delegates enjoy a week-long, allexpense-paid trip to the nation’s capital.

Youth Tour was inspired by Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) annual meeting in Chicago in 1957. The Senator & future president declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the nation’s Capitol where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

In 1958, an electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of young people on a week-long study tour of the nation’s capitol. Later that same year, another group came from Illinois. The idea continued to grow and other states began sending students throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” grew to 130 students.

In 1964, NRECA began coordinating activities for the state delegations and suggested reps from each state visit D.C. during Youth Tour week. The program has continued to grow and today, more than 1,600 students participate in Youth Tour. WFEC began participating in the Youth Tour in 1979 and has sent nearly 100 students on the trip since.

Very Important Information: COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS:

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 1: What is West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.? A not-for-profit corporation incorporated in 1937 under the laws of Florida for the purpose of providing electric service to its members at cost.

How are trustees selected to serve on the cooperative’s board? The nine trustees are voted on and elected by the members. Three trustees are elected each year to serve a three-year term. Each trustee is from a different district to assure that every area is represented.

Who is the trustee from your district or area? *See Page 3 of this study guide to determine* Who is the current President of the cooperative’s Board of Trustees? Joe Rone Who is the Executive Vice President & CEO of West Florida Electric Cooperative and what are his responsibilities? Ty Peel. The EVP & CEO is selected by the Board of Trustees to oversee the day-to-day operations of the cooperative within the policies established by the board.

How many meters does the cooperative serve?

Approximately 28,000 How many miles of line does the cooperative have? Approximately 4,800 What counties does WFEC serve? Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington

ALL West Florida Electric Youth Tour participants and chaperones may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for Tallahassee. Masks will be required on the trip to Tallahassee, unless you are otherwise informed.

How many members per mile of line does WFEC serve? Approximately six

ALL YOUTH TOUR STUDENTS who travel to Washington, D.C. with the group will be required to provide a

How much is WFEC’s membership fee? $5

negative COVID-19 test (no at home tests) within 72 hours of the trip to Washington, D.C. If a student is vaccinated, proof of vaccination must also be provided and must be brought with them on the trip. Masks will also be required unless otherwise informed by Youth Tour personnel. *Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, there is a possibility that the 2022 Youth Tour could get cancelled or modified to ensure the safety of all involved. If cancelled, WFEC will strive to provide participating students with a comparable experience in lieu of the in-person program. WFEC will still award four $4,000 scholarships to Chipola College.*

Who owns WFEC? Its members

What is a cooperative? A business enterprise jointly owned and equally controlled by those who use it. It is a form of business more interested in service to people than making money, though it must take in money to pay its way.

What is the purpose of the co-op’s annual meeting? Holding an annual meeting is required by the cooperative’s bylaws. WFEC members elect trustees to the board and amend the bylaws by mail ballot prior to the meeting, but the meeting still must be held each year to conduct other co-op business and update its members about the state of the cooperative.

What is a distribution cooperative? An electric cooperative that purchases wholesale power and delivers it to its members. WFEC is a distribution co-op.

How is a cooperative non-profit? After all expenses are paid at the end of the year, any excess revenue (margins) is assigned on the cooperative books to members who used the service on a pro-rated basis.

The co-op retains these funds, called Capital Credits, to use as operating funds. As the funds increase to the point that the co-op has more than is needed for operating funds, portions of these Capital Credits are refunded to the members on a first in-first out (FIFO) basis.

Do cooperatives pay taxes? Yes, rural electric cooperatives pay taxes on the same basis as other businesses. The only tax cooperatives do not pay is income tax. There is no profit, so there is no income tax to pay.

NRECA’s members provide electricity to approximately: 42 million people in 48 states What is PowerSouth? PowerSouth is a generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) headquartered in Andalusia, Alabama. They provide electricity to 16 distribution cooperatives in Alabama & Northwest Florida (including WFEC), 4 municipalities and 2 industrial mills. WFEC is a member-owner of PowerSouth just as those who use its services are member-owners of WFEC. What is a G&T? Generation and transmission cooperatives are power supply cooperatives owned by a group of distribution cooperatives.

G&Ts generate power or purchase it from public or investor-owned utilities or both.

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 2: What does the acronym G&T stand for?

Generation and Transmission What energy sources are used to generate the electricity your cooperative uses? Natural gas, hydro, compressed air, biomass, wind, solar and some nuclear How did electric cooperatives get started?

In rural America in the 1930s, only the most affluent farmers or those living near towns could get electricity. Rural residents wanted the same benefits enjoyed by their city friends and neighbors. Investor-owned utilities would not extend power lines into the countryside because the farms were spread so far apart, they thought it would not be profitable.

On May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 7037 establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).

Groups of volunteers began going door to door to sign people up and collect a $5 membership fee. The $5 fee was a hardship for some, but they managed to find the money because they wanted electricity. WFEC’s membership fee is still $5 today.

What is RUS? The U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that continues the former Rural Electrification Administration’s (REA’s) mission of assisting rural utilities in providing electricity. RUS’s role is broader, encompassing rural infrastructure such as water and telecommunications.

What is the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)?

A service organization representing more than 900 rural electric systems in 48 states. NRECA is not supported by government funds nor is it an agency of the federal government.

What is the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA)? The state-wide service organization created

by Florida Electric Cooperatives to furnish services to co-ops that could not be economically provided by an individual cooperative. They handle legislative affairs, job training and safety, insurance, credit unions, publications, and many more services to Florida cooperatives, including coordinating the Washington Youth Tour Program.

What is Touchstone Energy®? Touchstone Energy® is a nationwide partnership of cooperative energy providers. As a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, co-ops can pool their resources, offer better services and participate in nationwide commitment to be the best energy providers possible. Touchstone Energy® partners are locally owned, locally based energy cooperatives that are more concerned with people than with profits.

What are the four core principles of the Touchstone Energy® brand? Integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

2020 Winners Youth Tour winners & alternate winner were: (l-r) Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Elijah Larry, Malone School, and Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School

Youth Tour Competition: How will the 2 finalists, alternate & scholarship recipients be selected?

Finalists will be chosen based on an interview with three judges. When filling out the application, each student is required to turn in a brief essay about themselves to help the judges get to know them & formulate interview questions. Students will be scored using the score guide below & those with the highest overall accumulated scores for each county will be selected as the trip & scholarship winners.

How can I win?

Study, study, study! This booklet contains everything you need to know about WFEC, the history of electric cooperatives and the history of Youth Tour.

What will I need to know for my interview?

WFEC has supplied a study guide to each school’s designated representative (in this booklet). Judges will select two winners & one alternate for the trip to D.C. and four scholarship winners (the highest score for each county) based on the highest accumulated scores & the percentages below.

How will I be scored?

Communication Skills: Personality: Knowledge of Subject: Poise/Appearance: Community Service:

25 points 25 points 25 points 15 points 10 points

Communication Skills/Personality: Maintain good eye contact, speak in a clear & audible voice and avoid speech interrupters such as uh, um, ah, you know, like, etc. The judges are looking for students that smile, are bright, cheerful and engaging, and are truly interested in the Youth Tour program.

Knowledge of Subject: Study this guide and other materials provided by WFEC. Poise/Appearance: Be sure to maintain good posture and don’t fidget during the interview.

Dress appropriately for the interview (something you’d wear to a job interview or church) and do not chew gum.

Community Service: Tell the judges how you contribute to your community by volunteering.

2020 Winners of the $4,000 Chipola College scholarships were: (l-r) Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Addison O’Bryan, Altha School; Elijah Larry, Malone School, and Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School

Questions?

Please call/email if you have questions regarding your Trustee or this study guide. Some interview questions will be taken from it, but a variety of personality & current events questions could also be asked. Judges may also ask about school, family, career plans, college, etc. Two winners & one alternate will be selected for the D.C. trip based on the highest accumulated scores.

Four scholarship winners will also be selected based on the highest accumulated scores (highest score for each county) and announced following the interviews.

Youth Tour Program Overview:

ESTO

ek

re sC

Jackson Washington

CHIPLEY

£ ¤ 90

COTTONDALE

10

r

MARIANNA

§ ¦ ¨

90

T S

2

90

§ ¦ ¨

PONCE DE LEON

T S

ALFORD

6

79

VERNON

WAUSAU - 4 8 5 3 C 7

- 4 8 5 3 C 7

Washington Jackson

10

Township 6 North

Rive

BONIFAY

10

T S

GREENWOOD

ola

2020 Youth Tour Participants in Tallahassee

90

§ ¦ ¨

BASCOM

C h ip

Each year, WFEC, along with the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA), sponsors a separate Youth Tour essay contest for the children & grandchildren WFEC of employees and trustees.

£ ¤

3

JACOB

me

T S CARYVILLE

4

H ol

8

WESTVILLE

You must be a high school junior and your parents/guardians must be members of West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC must be your electricity provider). Each high school in WFEC’s service area selects one student to represent them. All students chosen will be required to participate in the twoday, all-expenses paid trip to Tallahassee. Failure to attend the Tallahassee trip will automatically disqualify students from competing for the trip to Washington, D.C. and the scholarship program (unless prior approval to miss the trip is received from WFEC).

7 177

Am I eligible to compete?

MALONE

l

ek

9

CAMPBELLTON

re

Choctawha tch

e Riv er

GRACEVILLE

e

:

NOMA

lC

*See important info section*

Because you could win a FREE trip to Washington, D.C., for one week and make lots of new friends!

Even if you’re not selected as one of the two finalists, you’ll still get that FREE two-day trip to Tallahassee with other juniors from Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson & Washington counties. You will also have the opportunity to win a $4,000 college scholarship!

a

Electric cooperatives from all over the country hold competitions like this one. You’ll meet up with some of these students in Washington, D.C. in June, if you win. Once there, you’ll get a chance to meet & talk with congressional leaders from Florida at the U.S. Capitol, plus you’ll get to see all the sites and visit some really cool places! The purpose is to get you out of the classroom and familiarize you with the utility that brings electricity to your life. You’ll also get a firsthand look at the activities of our government in Tallahassee and Washington.

Board of Trustees - District Map Study Guide

Why Should I Participate?

Ma r s h

Youth Tour (YT) is an annual contest sponsored

by West Florida Electric Cooperative that gives high school juniors, like you, the opportunity to use their knowledge to compete for a FREE week-long trip to Washington, D.C. Everyone who participates in WFEC’s Youth Tour program will go to Tallahassee for two days, all-expenses-paid.

Not only will you possibly win a free trip to Washington, D.C., but you could also win a $4,000 scholarship to Chipola College! One scholarship will be awarded to the highest scoring YT participant from each county!

Walton Holmes

What is Youth Tour?

Youth Tour Study Guide Page 3:

Bay

5

§ ¦ ¨

CYPRESS

GRAND RIDGE

SNEADS

10

Jackson Calhoun

Calhoun

ALTHA

1 EBRO

BLOUNTSTOWN

Taken from the WFEC Bylaws: The territory served or to be served by the cooperative shall be divided into nine (9) districts, and each district shall be represented by one trustee. The original nine (9) district shall be as follows: District 1 - That part of Calhoun County served by the cooperative. Trustee: David Tatum District 2 - That part of Jackson County lying east of the Chipola River and between the north line of Calhoun County and the south line of Township 6 North. Trustee: Tim Alford District 3 - That part of Jackson County lying east of Marshall Creek, north of the south line of Township 6 North.

Trustee: Jackie Pooser

District 4 - That part of Jackson County lying west of Marshall Creek, west of the Chipola River, north of U.S. Hwy. 90 and east of Holmes Creek. Trustee: John Adams District 5 - That part of Jackson County south of U.S. Hwy. 90 and west of the Chipola River. Trustee: David

Corbin

District 6 - That part of Washington County served by the cooperative. Trustee: George Clayton Owens District 7 - That part of Holmes County lying east of State Road 79 from the south boundary of Holmes County to the junction of State Road 79 and State Road 177 and that portion of Holmes County lying east of State Road 177.

Trustee: Randy Bush

District 8 - That portion of Holmes County lying west of State Road 79, from the junction of State Road 177 and State Road 79 to the south county line of Holmes County and east of the Choctawhatchee River. Trustee: Joe 2020 YT participants were (l-r): Elijah Larry, Malone School; Addison O’Bryan, Altha School; Alyssa Brown, Bethlehem School; Josie Scott, Cottondale High School; Becca Mercer, Marianna High School; Morgan Yoder, Blountstown High School; Nadia Kent, Chipley High School; Kristen Rushing, Holmes County High School; Kayla Rister, Poplar Springs School, and Natalie Holton, Poplar Springs School.

Rone

District 9 - That part of Holmes County lying west of the Choctawhatchee River. Trustee: Myron Hudson

Information for Parents: Tallahassee Trip Information:

WFEC Youth Tour Banquet:

included with the additional information you receive after you complete your Youth Tour application and return it to WFEC. Students should wear Youth Tour shirts & jeans (shirts will be delivered to you prior to the trip). Students will need to bring business casual clothes for Feb.17.

We will return by 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. on the 17.

Students may call when we leave Tallahassee to provide an approximate arrival time.

The date for WFEC’s annual Youth Tour competition & banquet will be announced at a later date. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews may be conducted via Zoom or alternative method. The banquet may be postponed or cancelled. More information will be supplied at a later date.

Instructions, trip itinerary and agenda will be

*Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, there is a possibility that the 2022 Youth Tour may get cancelled or modified to ensure the safety of all involved. If canceled, West Florida Electric Cooperative will still strive to provide participating students with a comparable experience in lieu of the in-person program. WFEC will still award four $4,000 scholarships to Chipola College.*

WFEC Chaperones:

3-4 chaperones who are employees of WFEC will accompany your student to Tallahassee.

Candace Croft

Communications & Public Relations Coordinator (Youth Tour Coordinator)

Terry Mullen

Manager of Marketing & Communications

Susie Johnson

Senior Executive Assistant

WFEC Phone Numbers:

(850) 263-3231 or (800) 342-7400

For Questions:

Candace Croft Communications & Public Relations Coordinator Cell: (850) 326-0475 Email: ccroft@westflorida.coop Office: (850) 263-3231, ext. 1178

For additional information about the Youth Tour Program visit: www.westflorida.coop www.nrecayouthprograms.coop

2022 West Florida Electric