La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is proud to announce the selection of three exemplary high school juniors from LPEA’s service territory to represent the cooperative at the esteemed National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., from June 16-22, 2025.
These students have been chosen for their outstanding leadership qualities and academic merits, and they will be part of a delegation of 30 students from Colorado.
The 2025 LPEA delegates are as follows:
Deaglan Denen, from Pagosa Springs High School. “The youth tour means a lot to me because I get to experience a part of the world I’ve never seen before. I also get to see in person a history that I’ve always been interested in.”
Sabina Fischer from Durango High School. “I am grateful that I have been selected for this opportunity. I am looking forward to discovering what I will learn from it. You never know where opportunities such as these will lead you in life.”
Max Magee from Animas High School. “To me, the opportunity to be a part of the 2025 LPEA Youth Tour to Washington D.C. means that I will be able to see how my government functions, the importance of Washington D.C., and how electric cooperatives have played a role in Colorado’s history.”
During this immersive week, students will visit key historical sites and engage with elected officials. They will also learn about civic involvement and the electric utility industry, focusing on the cooperative business model. This initiative is part of a broader effort, supported by LPEA and the Colorado Rural Electric Association, to inspire the next generation of leaders. More than 1,800 students from 45 states will participate in this year’s Youth Tour.
The concept of the Youth Tour was first proposed by Senator Lyndon Johnson in 1957, aiming to enrich young Americans’ understanding of their national heritage and the value of civic engagement. The senator declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
Youth Tour recipients will be recognized at the LPEA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 12:30pm in the LPEA truck barn in Bodo Park, Durango. All LPEA members are invited to attend.
More details at lpea.coop/annual-meeting.