Faces, Places & Voices Of PVREA: Our Electric Cooperative Youth Tour 2026 Delegates

Piper Taylor

What Did You Learn About Electric Cooperatives?

I learned that even though we are separate co-ops, we still have each other’s backs. We are like one big but separate family.

How Do You Feel About This Trip Overall?

I think this trip means a lot to not only me but the other people who came on it. I learned so much that I hadn’t known, and I made so many connections that I know will last. The people and chaperones are so sweet, and I really think anyone should sign up to go because it is worth it 100%. I also want to thank my co-op because without them sending me, I wouldn’t have learned how to be not only a better leader, but a better person in general. I have learned so much and I am forever grateful!

Andrew Weinberger

What Was Meeting Legislative Staff Life & What Conversations Did You Have?

Meeting the legislative staff was a cool experience. I was chosen to introduce one of the group, and that was awesome. In general, they talked a lot about the people they represent and what they were focused on in Congress.

What Experience Did Stands Out The Most & Why?

The experience that stands out most to me was meeting the delegates from all the other states. All of them were super nice, but most importantly, I was surprised by the number of people there. It really proved to me how big electric co-ops were in the U.S., and how many people benefit from them.

Andrew Willits

What Experience Stands Out The Most & Why?

The riverboat cruise stands out the most in my mind because you meet people from very interesting places and get to learn cool things about them and where they are from.

How Do You Feel About This Trip Overall?

My trip was amazing and I made many new memories and friends while learning more about electric co-ops. I am very grateful to Poudre Valley REA.

Gen Topf

What Experience Stands Out The Most & Why?

My most memorable experience was our trip to the Vietnam Memorial. We were given sheets of paper with the profiles of one of the names on the wall, someone from our hometown. I found it to be incredibly moving that this was someone around my age from my hometown who had gone off to war not too terribly long ago. The profile gave a face to the name to make this memorial feel more personal. While there, we were encouraged to trace over the name of our respective soldier on our paper, as a way to connect with and remember them.

How Do You Feel About This Trip Overall?

Overall, I would say this trip is the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten to do. Though we moved very quickly, I feel like I was able to see everything D.C. has to offer.
I made many meaningful connections, and I learned so much. I’m extremely grateful to my co-op for allowing me such a wonderful opportunity as this.