Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CVEC) is pleased to announce the two students who have been selected to represent CVEC on the 2024 Youth Tour trip in Washington, D.C.

Brenna Whitney, a sophomore at Moravia High School, and the daughter of Heather and Chad Whitney of Moravia, has been selected as one of the two outstanding students attending this year’s Youth Tour. In school, Brenna is involved in band, student council, FCCLA vice-president, swim team, is the wrestling manager and is class secretary. She is also involved in her local 4-H club and 4-H youth council as well as her church. When asked if given an opportunity to speak with a member of Congress what topic would she like to discuss, Brenna responded, “I would discuss the effects of electric vehicles on our power grid and push to identify the pros and cons of them, so we can determine if they are truly helping our world as much as they are advertised to do so.”

Ethan Stalzer, a senior at Albia Community High School, and the son of Mindy and Brad Stalzer of Lovilia, has also been selected to attend the 2024 Youth Tour. Ethan is actively involved in school activities including track, cross country, National Honor Society, and Mentors Against Violence Prevention. Ethan stays busy outside of school by participating in his annual church picnic and fish fry, as well as Albia JDRF benefit. “I would discuss the future of agriculture given our changing environment and how environmental bills could shape agriculture as this is a large part of our state’s economy - any major changes to this sector would have a large impact on our economy,” stated Ethan if given the opportunity to speak with a congressional representative.

Both will join around 40 other Iowa students – and more than 1,400 high school students from across the U.S. – in Washington, D.C., from June 15-21, 2024.  They will get an inside look at the federal government, tour the city, develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of electric cooperatives and make friendships that will last beyond the week!

Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, with the generosity of its membership, is proud to support the Youth Tour program each year as giving back to the communities we serve and investing in the next generation of leaders is part of CVEC’s mission.