LENORA — A free trip to Washington does not come along every day, but for two students, it became a reality. Through its association with the Foundation for Rural Service, Nex-Tech sponsored two students to attend the FRS Youth Tour, June 2-6. Students apply by written application, which includes an essay addressing the benefits of attending the Youth Tour and impact that it may have to their career goals. This year’s winners were Angel Mong and Levi Hickert who joined nearly 100 other students from across the country at the FRS Youth Tour.
Youth tour participants receive a first-hand glimpse at how the legislative and regulatory decisions made in Washington, D.C. affect how their local service providers operate in their own hometowns. The trip features a comprehensive overview of the communications industry and the critical role communications plays in rural America. In addition to the educational component, the Youth Tour also introduces students to various historical landmarks.
Angel, an upcoming senior at Wheatland High School, is the daughter of Marilyn and the late Tim Mong. In her essay, Angel shares that she finds our country’s history extremely fascinating, and she wants to experience the history and culture of D.C. Angel wants to become a teacher and feels the Youth Tour will give her an opportunity to increase her worldly knowledge and learn about our nation’s capital.
Levi is the son of Kevin and Sondra Hickert. He will be a junior at Hays High School. Levi writes that the learning experience he will gain from the Youth Tour will help him with educational and occupational decisions for his future. Pursuing a course of study in Engineering, Levi feels that increasing his knowledge of governmental regulations and communications will be beneficial to project planning and development.
“We are excited to provide Angel and Levi with this wonderful opportunity,” said Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Specialist. “Educating them about government processes, the telecommunications industry, and our nation’s history will make them stronger individuals and will prepare them as future leaders and contributing citizens.”