This year, Liberal High School sophomore Nick Naranjo was one of only two students selected to represent the Southern Pioneer Electric Cooperative service area, which spans 10 counties in southwest and south central Kansas. He is also one of the first students from Liberal to be chosen for this prestigious opportunity in over a decade.
Nick’s journey toward this opportunity began last summer while working at Adventure Bay Waterpark. During the annual Southern Pioneer Buyout event, Electric Service Coordinator Rubi Terrazas spoke with high school employees about the Youth Tour and encouraged them to apply. The idea stuck with Naranjo, and with encouragement from his mother, he submitted his application once the school year began.
After applying, Nick participated in a blind interview with a panel of three judges. He shared that the interview “just felt like a conversation” and described it as a great experience. When asked why he applied, Nick said, “I just wanted to try something new, something out of my comfort zone.”
Naranjo will travel to Washington, D.C., this June to proudly represent southwest Kansas and Liberal High School on this once-in-a-lifetime leadership experience.
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is an annual leadership trip to Washington, D.C., that brings together students from across the country. Sponsored by local electric cooperatives, the program gives participants the opportunity to visit national landmarks, learn about American history and government, and meet with members of Congress during a special “Hill Day.” Designed to promote leadership and civic engagement, the tour has inspired young leaders each year since its founding in 1957.