Heartland Sponsors Local Student on a Trip to the Nation’s Capital

Louis Shillito of rural Mound City represents Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. in this year's youth tour. (Shana Read / Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc.)

By Doug Graham

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Inc.

Louis Shillito, a homeschooler from Mound City who will begin his senior year in the fall, recently represented Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative at the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, held June 14-20 in Washington, D.C. 

During their time in our nation’s capital, students deepened their understanding of America’s electric cooperatives and developed their leadership skills while connecting with peers from across the cooperative network. 

“Visiting all the museums and memorials really made me grateful for this country and the people who fought for us to be able to enjoy it,” Shillito said.

These 31 standout student representatives, 27 from Kansas and four from Hawaii, were hand-selected through an application process involving Heartland staff and community leaders.

The Youth Tour kicked off in Topeka with a welcome dinner and icebreaker activities, followed by an exclusive night tour of the Kansas State Capitol led by State Treasurer Steven Johnson and Kansas Representative Kyle Hoffman, alumni of the Youth Tour program. 

In Washington, D.C., students explored iconic landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and The People’s House – A White House Experience, along with numerous monuments and memorials. Visits to the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Smithsonian museums offered powerful insights into history and culture.

On June 19, during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) National Youth Day, students were inspired by a dynamic lineup of speakers, including NRECA CEO Jim Matheson, Olympic medalist Mike Schlappi, and Maggie Martin, the 2025 National Youth Leadership Council Spokesperson.

In addition to the Youth Day program, the Kansas and Hawaii delegations joined peers from Colorado and Wyoming for an engaging leadership workshop led by nationally recognized youth leadership expert Craig Hillier.

Students also had the unique opportunity to meet with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Jason Morganti, a legislative assistant for Congressman Ron Estes. During these discussions, they asked thoughtful questions on a range of topics that mattered to them, gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process and the role of elected officials.

Beyond the educational experiences, students enjoyed unique opportunities to bond with peers from across the country—trading pins with other state delegations and taking in the sights during a scenic dinner cruise on the Potomac River.

Students who participated in the 2025 Youth Tour are also eligible to apply for the NRECA Glenn English Scholarship. For more information about the Youth Tour or other Heartland youth programs, please contact Doug Graham at (620) 724-5526.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

Heartland REC traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996 to form Heartland.

Doug Graham is the communications specialist for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Inc.