Juniors Kelsey Hurt from Allen High School, Tate Danielson from Ada High School and Sarah Estis from Ada High School have been chosen as delegates to the annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour, an all-expense paid leadership experience coordinated by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and sponsored by People’s Electric Cooperative (PEC).
Since 1964, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their local electric cooperative. PEC alone has sent 104 students since 1964.
“To be chosen for the trip is a real honor,” PEC’s vice-president of corporate communications and community relations Jennifer Boeck said. “Particularly since applicants vie for the coveted three spots alongside other teens across PEC’s eleven county service area who are community volunteers, student athletes, and members of respected academic organizations such as National Honor Society, student council, Future Business Leaders of America, and Future Farmers of America, among many other prized clubs and associations.”
Approximately 200 juniors were presented the Youth Tour opportunity in local schools during January, and during February just over 64 students sat for a written test over materials about rural electrification. At the conclusion of the testing dates, an invitation was extended to the students receiving the top 10 scores on the test in order to compete in a final interview competition. PEC’s three winning delegates Hurt, Danielson and Estis were selected by a panel of judges based on their poise, originality and personality during their personal interviews.
Also representing their respective schools in the interview portion of the contest were the following finalists: 1st Alternate, Cody Simmons, Stratford High School; 2nd Alternate, Katherine Denson, Ada High School; Tyler Hammons, Vanoss High School; Lacie Lott, Stuart High School; Caoimhe Gurley, Ada High School; Brecken Hunt, Coalgate High School; Harmoni Moore, Byng High School.
About the Delegates
Kelsey Hurt of Allen High School also attends University of Oklahoma as a concurrent student. After graduation she plans to attend college at the University of Oklahoma by studying law or medicine. One of Kelsey’s core values is family time. Once a week Kelsey and her dad try to fish together; there they talk about their week and the latest news. Fishing also helps her to relax and focus. When she isn’t fishing, you can find her at school which is often a place to socialize but is also a place to improve herself. Kelsey is the daughter of Kelly and Christina Hurt.
Tate Danielson of Ada High School is involved in Tennis, Student Council, Academic Team, Yearbook, FCA, and the Native American Quiz Bowl Team. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis or video games with his friends and he also loves to read. Tate isn’t sure where he would like to attend college, but he knows that he would like to major in either psychology or business. He is the son of Jeremy and Jill Danielson.
Sarah Estis of Ada High School strives to be the most welcoming and optimistic person in the room. She is originally from Houston, Texas, but grew up in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Her time overseas is what shaped her into the person she is today. She has learned about and experienced many different cultures and has tried anything and everything she could. She likes to push herself to achieve and try new things. Sarah is the daughter of Sheila Estis.
Each year, PEC’s Youth Tour contest is open to 11th grade students enrolled in school (or homeschool) systems located in one of the 11 counties served by PEC. For more information about PEC’s Youth Tour program or other programs available at People’s Electric Cooperative, please contact Jennifer Boeck at (580) 332-3031.