PEC selects Marble Falls student among eight to attend 2026 youth tour
The eight students picked by PEC to attend this year’s Youth Tour.Thomas Jansta (left), Anna Edwards, Marble Falls High School junior John Alan Whittle, Saisha Siram, Gabriella Fory, Kandice Richardson, Maxwell Davila, and Ava Gray. Courtesy photo.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative has selected eight Central Texas high school students, including a Marble Falls High School junior, to represent the cooperative at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
The all-expenses-paid trip will take place June 14–22 and gives students the opportunity to learn about the federal government, American history, and civic engagement. PEC’s delegates will join more than 1,500 students from electric cooperatives across the United States as they visit historic landmarks, meet elected officials, and participate in leadership activities.
“Participating in Youth Tour is a tremendous opportunity to build friendships, sightsee, and witness government in action,” Mikayla Herron, PEC community outreach specialist, said in a media release.
“What we’ve heard year after year are stories of the profoundly positive impact this trip has made in their lives, many times even helping to shape and influence their futures.”
Marble Falls High School junior John Alan Whittle is among the students selected. At a recent reception honoring the 2026 delegates and their families, Whittle thanked PEC and shared his hopes for the experience.
“I look forward to bonding with many other young adults while exploring our capital together, and I’m honored to be chosen,” Whittle said.
The remaining PEC Youth Tour delegates include Maxwell Davila, a senior at Lake Travis High School; Anna Edwards, a senior at Cedar Park High School; Gabriella Fory, a junior at Canyon Lake High School; Ava Gray, a senior at One Day Academy; Thomas Jansta, a junior at Leander High School; Kandice Richardson, a junior at Lago Vista High School; and Saisha Siram, a senior at Westwood High School.
The Youth Tour program was inspired by former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s vision to provide educational travel opportunities to students in rural areas, encouraging the next generation of leaders and public servants.
Students interested in the Youth Tour program can learn more and apply online here.