Pella High School junior Thomas Tangen has been selected to represent Pella Cooperative Electric on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Tangen will join nearly 40 other Iowa students from June 17-23 in Washington, D.C. On the weeklong tour, students learn about electric cooperatives, American history, and 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 Electric’s Youth Tour representative,” said Tangen. “I’m really passionate about history and believe this tour will help me learn from the past to better our future.”

A junior at Pella High School, Tangen is active in band, choir, bowling, golf, boy scouts and National Honor Society. He is a member of Peace Lutheran Church and is active on the Church Praise Team, running live stream of services, and youth group opportunities. He has also been involved in the NASA Student Design Competition twice and the Eagle Scout Project through boy scouts. Tangen is the son of Joseph and Bethany Tangen.

“We believe Thomas 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 him with this opportunity to not only serve as the Cooperative’s delegate but enhance his 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.