Pernales Electric Cooperative Celebrates Hays County Winners of Youth Government Tour

During a recent meeting in Hays County, local officials celebrated the achievements of four high school students who participated in the Government and Action Youth Tour, a program sponsored by the Pernales Electric Cooperative (PEC). This initiative, which has been running for over 57 years, aims to educate young Texans about government and public service by sending them on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Mikayla Herron, the youth tour coordinator for PEC, introduced the students—Gage Trudeau and Sophia Vitela, both recent graduates of Wimberley High School, along with Gabriela Correa and Avery Auditori, who will be seniors at Lehman and Jack C. Hayes High Schools, respectively. The students were selected from nearly 100 applicants, showcasing their dedication and interest in civic engagement.

The students shared their experiences, highlighting the educational value of the trip. Vitela expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting how the visit to Capitol Hill deepened her understanding of government operations. Trudeau, who plans to major in government at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized how the trip prepared him for his future studies. Correa and Auditori echoed similar sentiments, sharing their excitement about meeting peers from other states and learning about the legislative process.

Local officials, including Commissioner Smith and Judge Becerra, praised the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue their civic engagement. They emphasized the importance of local government and the need for young leaders to step up in the community. The commissioners expressed their hope that the students would carry the lessons learned from the tour into their future endeavors, potentially inspiring them to pursue careers in public service.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater youth involvement in local government, with suggestions for mock commissioner's court sessions to further engage students in civic processes. The recognition of these young leaders not only highlights their achievements but also underscores the importance of fostering a new generation of informed and active citizens in Hays County.