Grand Rapids, MN – Lake Country Power is pleased to sponsor Madison Christianson of Cohasset, Minn., on this summer’s Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. She is currently a senior at the Grand Rapids High School and will graduate this spring.

In addition to completing an application process, Christianson’s parents, Chad and Megan, receive electricity from Lake Country Power, which sealed her qualification for consideration.

“It will be an honor to represent my co-op on this year’s Youth Tour,” said Christianson. “We greatly value the rural services Lake Country Power provides, and my parents have been members since they moved to the area in 1997.” 

More than 1,500 students nationwide and 40 students in Minnesota will be sponsored by their local electric cooperative. While on tour, students meet with elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to discuss the process of government and issues of the day, while increasing their knowledge of electric cooperatives and American history. Students from Minnesota travel together with chaperones to explore the main attractions of Washington, D.C.

“This is a rewarding and life-changing experience that shows our youth the power of democracy and value of the co-op business model,” said Tami Zaun, public relations coordinator for Lake Country Power. “The Rural Electric Youth Tour helps build tomorrow’s leaders.”  

 Since 1958, the nation’s electric cooperatives have sponsored more than 50,000 high school juniors and seniors on the Rural Electric Youth Tour.

This year’s tour is scheduled June 9 - 14, 2018. More information and tour highlights are online at www.facebook.com/NRECAYouthTour, www.mrea.org and www.electric.coop.