Meet PEC’s 2025 Youth Tour Delegates
Students Selected for Free Trip to Washington, D.C., to Learn About History
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) February 12, 2025 — For the past 59 years, PEC has proudly participated in Youth Tour, which sends students on an all-expenses paid trip to our nation’s capital. This year, PEC selected 10 students to represent the cooperative in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with lawmakers, visit historical sites, and learn about U.S. history and government.
PEC selected its delegates from nearly 100 applicants who will join other Texas delegates and students from across the country selected to represent their electric cooperative. The trip will take place this summer June 15-23. As part of the competition, students completed a short-answer response, provided a resume, and an adult reference. Those with the highest scores in the application process, were invited in for interviews, where the final delegates were selected.
“The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” said PEC Community Outreach Specialist Mikayla Herron. “If we can inspire even one of our delegates to seek out a career in government or public service, then we are honored to provide this opportunity to help build our communities’ bright young leaders.”
Former-president Lyndon B. Johnson developed the idea for Youth Tour in 1957 and was passionate about providing opportunities for young students to learn about U.S. government and public service firsthand. Johnson also played an important role in forming PEC and bringing electricity to the Texas Hill Country.
Back row from left to right: Neha Reddy, Sophia Vitela, Arjun Bhardwaj, Yash Lalwani, and Gage Trudeau. Front row from left to right: Gabriela Correa, Avery Auditore, Nikhitha Nimma, Vanessa Valle, and Addison Allen.
This year’s PEC’s Youth Tour delegates include:
Addison Allen: Senior, Lyndon B. Johnson High School — Johnson City ISD
Senior class president and treasurer of the National Honor Society, Addison is also involved in various volunteer programs in her church and community.
Avery Auditore: Junior, Jack C. Hays High School — Hays CISD
Avery is the Vice President of Finance for DECA, Distributive Education Clubs of America. She is also a committee chair for student council, and is part of the yearbook staff.
Arjun Bhardwaj: Senior, Westwood High School — Round Rock ISD
While he loves playing basketball and coaching younger kids, Arjun also has a passion for music. He not only plays guitar but is also a drummer in a band.
Gabriela Correa: Junior, Lehman High School — Hays CISD
The current valedictorian of her class, Gabriela, is a member of the varsity soccer and cross country teams. She is also active in clubs including Sports Statistics, Women in STEM, and more.
Yash Lalwani: Junior, Leander High School— Leander ISD
Yash participates in Future Healthcare Professionals, HOSA, as well as Distributive Education Clubs of America, DECA. Additionally, he serves his school as a TEDx organizer and host.
Nikhitha Nimma: Junior, Vista Ridge High School — Leander ISD
A junior at Vista Ridge High School, Nikki is an avid participant in both DECA and theater. She also loves painting and playing board games.
Neha Reddy: Junior at Westwood High School – Round Rock ISD
Captain of the debate team, Neha also competes in DECA. She is committed to volunteering and is currently interning with a non-profit.
Gage Trudeau: Senior, Wimberley High School — Wimberley ISD
Gage is president of his class and captain of the speech and debate team. He loves to read, write, and try new things.
Vanessa Valle: Sophomore, Lake Travis High School — Lake Travis ISD
A member of the school’s varsity swim team, Vanessa has a passion for international relations and is also a juror for Lakeway’s Teen Court Program.
Sophia Vitela: Senior, Wimberley High School — Wimberley ISD
Sophia is captain of the debate team, a member of the student council, and represents Central Texas as a Keep Texas Beautiful youth ambassador.
Applications for next year’s Youth Tour will open in the fall. Those interested in learning more about the program can find information at mypec.com/youth-tour.
Image and copy courtesy of PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
