Five high school juniors representing Southern Pine Electric Cooperative recently joined 78 other students from across Mississippi for the 2026 Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Representing Southern Pine were Carly Gibson of Seminary High School, E’Miyah Rhodes of Lawrence County High School, Jordin Woods of Bay Springs High School, Payten Myers of Simpson County Academy, and Ryder Ivy of Raleigh High School.
During the weeklong trip, delegates experienced many of the historic landmarks, museums, and memorials that tell the story of America. Students toured Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian museums, Washington National Cathedral, and the Museum of the Bible. They also visited the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean War, World War II, Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials.
The students attended a Washington Nationals baseball game, enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, explored the National Harbor, toured The People’s House: A White House Experience, and watched the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Throughout the week, they had the opportunity to meet and interact with students from electric cooperatives across the country.
A special highlight of the trip was meeting with Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and learning more about her role in representing Mississippi in Washington. The delegates also visited Capitol Hill and gained a firsthand look at the legislative process and the workings of the federal government.
“Youth Tour gives students the opportunity to see our nation’s history come to life,” said Southern Pine President and CEO Drummonds McAlpin. “From standing where history was made to visiting some of our country’s most important landmarks and institutions, these experiences help young people gain a greater appreciation for our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. We are proud of Carly, E’Miyah, Jordin, Payten, and Ryder for representing Southern Pine so well.”
The Cooperative Youth Tour has provided high school students with an unforgettable Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, along with local electric cooperatives. The program introduces young people to the nation’s capital while showcasing the history, traditions, and institutions that shape America.
Southern Pine congratulates these outstanding students on their participation in the 2026 Youth Tour and thanks them for serving as excellent representatives of their schools, communities, and cooperative.