Rosemount, Minn - Dakota Electric Association proudly sponsored five outstanding high school students on an unforgettable, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. This opportunity was part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour held June 16 to 21.

The selected students were Ankit Mukhopadhyay, Makenna Becker, and Victoria Fierst of Eagan High School, and Geyasree Badri and Johan Vengal of Eastview High School. They joined 1,800 peers from across the country for a week of leadership, learning, and exploration in the nation’s capital.

Throughout the tour, participants explored historic sites, met members of Congress, learned about the importance of electric cooperatives, and even enjoyed a Segway tour through the city.

During the tour, Ankit Mukhopadhyay of Eagan High School was selected to represent Minnesota on the prestigious NRECA Youth 

Leadership Council (YLC). Only one student is chosen from each state for this honor. As a YLC delegate, Ankit returned to Washington, D.C. in July for a national leadership workshop focused on the electric cooperative industry. The experience provided deeper insight into energy issues and public policy, while helping to develop advanced leadership and public speaking skills.