(MT. VERNON, IL) — This year, Tri-County Electric Cooperative was represented by Madison Lewis of Waltonville (Waltonville High School), Allyson Lintker of Venedy (Okawville High School) and Joseph Partain of Iuka (Salem High School) during the annual “Youth to Washington” Tour, June 10-17. This event, sponsored by the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois since the late 1950s, is an introduction to our democratic form of government and cooperatives for rural youth. The students met with US Congressman Mike Bost and John Shimkus and US Senator Dick Durbin.  They were among 64 rural Illinois youth leaders selected for the trip. The Illinois students joined more than 1,691 young leaders from across the country. Sophomores, juniors and seniors whose homes are served by Tri-County Cooperative are eligible to participate in the annual program. To learn more about the “Youth to Washington” Tour go to www.youthtour.coop or www.facebook.com/ILYouthtoWashington.