Pella Community High School junior Ellie Schmitz has been selected to represent Pella Cooperative Electric on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

Schmitz will join nearly 40 other Iowa students from June 15-21 in Washington, D.C. On the weeklong tour, students learn about electric cooperatives, American history, and the U.S. government and walk away with a greater understanding of their role as an American citizen. They will participate in National Youth Day, visit with their elected legislators, and explore the sights around the nation's capital.

"I'm excited and honored to be selected as Pella Cooperative Electic's Youth Tour representative," said Schmitz. "I want to make the world a better place and believe this trip offers a unique opportunity to learn about myself and others and bring the knowledge and skills I learn back to my community."

Schmitz is active in varsity volleyball, track, soccer, softball, concert, and marching band as well as student council. As an honor roll student, she also serves as a liaison for the Dollars for Scholars program. She's a very active volunteer in her community adding over 100 hours of community service through the Pella High School's Silver Cord program where she has traveled to Honduras on a medical mission trip, served as an altar server at church, as well as her church's fish fry. Schmitz is the daughter of Gene and Janece Schmitz of Pella.

We believe Ellie embodies the character and leadership skills to represent our Cooperative in Washington, D.C.," said Doug Stewart, CEO of Pella Cooperative Electric. "We're excited to provide her with this opportunity to not only serve as the Cooperative's delegate but enhance her leadership skills and learn about our nation's capital."

Pella Cooperative Electric sponsors one sophomore or junior each year who resides within the Pella Cooperative Electric service territory and is a cooperative member. This includes parts of Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Poweshiek, and Warren counties.

Every June since the 1950s, as many as 1,800 rural high school students from across the country spend a week in the nation's capital. The students are sponsored by electric cooperatives, like Pella Cooperative Electric, that are committed to educating America's rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.