I was honored to be awarded the Beltrami Electric Cooperative Youth 2024 Delegate spot and to represent Minnesota on this trip. I was the 2nd student from Laporte Community School District to be selected since this program started. We left on June 18th, 2024, and returned on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024. I met teens from other Cooperatives in Minnesota and teens from across the United States.

My favorite part of the trip was when we visited the Holocaust Museum. One of the pictures I would like to share is of a collection of photos spanning two stories of the museum you walked through the 2nd story of the Museum and down to the main floor. The images and objects displayed told the story of the victims of the Holocaust and the Museum showcased preserved objects and historical pieces including an actual railroad car, clothes belonging to a soldier from the Axis Powers, and the Remembrance Hall.

We also visited the Smithsonian Museums. There was so much to see in each of the buildings that we were not able to see everything, and our time flew by quickly. Some of my favorite exhibits and items included: s signed paper from Public Enemy featured in the African History Museum alongside memorable musicians and producers including Prince and the Ink Spots, too. There was also a Neanderthal with an iPhone 6 in the Museum of Natural History. The Hope Diamond (the biggest known cut diamond to exist) was also amazing to see in the Gemstones Exhibit.

Lastly, it was interesting to see how each of the political parties was able to interact with each other for the betterment of the US. The politicians who met with us included Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith along with our delegate group to share their perspectives on both rural and regional affairs.

Thank you again for supporting me and affording me this amazing opportunity.

             - Hunter -