Pedernales Electric’s 2009 Youth Tour Contest has concluded, and six excited students are packing for a trip to Washington, D.C. The winners are Luke Brown, Amanda Dickinson, Emily Gross and Lynn Nguyen of Dripping Springs High School, Kathlene Davis of Leander H.S. and Hillary Tidwell of Blanco H.S.

This year’s contest was in honor of Lyndon B. Johnson’s 100th birthday and his almost 300 pieces of environmental legislation. The contest also was inspired by PEC’s Green Works initiative, which encourages conservation activities, use of renewable energy resources and environmental responsibility.

Contestants wrote essays in the style of a Congressional “bill” that would preserve the environment for future generations. Twelve semifinalists presented their essays to the judges at LBJ’s “Texas White House” in Stonewall, and the six winners were chosen. They will join winners from other U.S. electric cooperatives for the expense-paid trip in June 2009.

“Listen carefully to what these 12 semifinalists have to say,” said PEC District 7 Director Patrick Cox in a keynote speech. “They are not just trying to earn a trip to our nation’s capital. These students offer fresh perspectives on issues that some of us may have grappled with for years, and their suggestions deserve our careful consideration.”

Dr. Cox’s full speech is posted on our web site at www.pec.coop under “Services.” Students interested in participating in next year’s contest may check our web site in the coming months for 2010 Youth Tour Contest details.