Pella Community High School junior Maddie 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 18-24 in Washington, D.C. On the weeklong tour, students will 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 honored and delighted to be selected as Pella Cooperative Electric's Youth Tour representative," said Schmitz. "I love history and believe this tour will be a great opportunity to learn how to help shape our community."

A junior at Pella High School, Schmitz is active in the student council, National Honor Society, and the Gifted and Talented Program. As an honor roll student, she serves as a liaison for the Dollars for Scholars Program, is a member of the Pella High Marching Dutch, and participates in track, cross country, softball, and bowling. Schmitz also volunteers at Saint Mary's Church and helps teach a first-grade class on Wednesday evenings. Schmitz is the daughter of Gene and Janece Schmitz of Pella, Iowa.

"We believe Maddie 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.