Pedernales Electric again joined other electric cooperatives across the country in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour program. For its 2010 Youth Tour Contest, PEC asked area high school students to write an essay considering renewable, green energy and its possible impact on Pedernales Electric and the state of Texas. This year, PEC received a record number of contest entries, with 660 students from across the Hill Country entering the contest.

Twelve finalists were selected to present their essays at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on November 21. An independent panel of judges selected six students as winners of an all-expense-paid June 2010 trip to Washington, D.C., to tour historical sites and meet local political representatives. Six alternates each received $100 for their participation.

2010 Youth Tour Contest winners and alternates are listed below.

Youth Tour Winner — Emily Blevins

Emily Blevins is a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School, and she is actively involved in choir. View Emily's essay.



Youth Tour Winner — Duncan Hall

Duncan Hall is a junior at Lago Vista High School. Duncan is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. View Duncan's essay.



Youth Tour Winner — Minerva Hernandez

Minerva Hernandez is a junior at Jack C. Hays High School in Buda, where she is a member of the French Club and newspaper staff. View Minerva's essay.



Youth Tour Winner — Ashton Hills

Ashton Hills is a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School. Ashton is a member of the varsity volleyball team. View Ashton's essay.



Youth Tour Winner — Hope Hoffmeyer

Hope Hoffmeyer is a junior at Jack C. Hays High School in Buda. View Hope's essay.



Youth Tour Winner — Audrey Waddle

Audrey Waddle is a junior at Lago Vista High School. Audrey is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the secretary of the Lago Vista chapter of the FFA and is the secretary/treasurer of the prom committee. View Audrey's essay.




Youth Tour Alternate — Gabriela Buentello

Gabriela Buentello is a junior at Jack C. Hays High School in Buda. Gabriela is a member of the Art Club and French Club. View Gabriela's essay.



Youth Tour Alternate — Chelsea DeMinor

Chelsea DeMinor is a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School, where she is a member of the color guard. View Chelsea's essay.



Youth Tour Alternate — Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson is a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School, where she is a member of the color guard. View Sarah's essay.



Youth Tour Alternate — Gabriella Kaminski

Gabriella Kaminski is a junior at Leander High School. Gabriella is involved in the Key Club and Health Occupations Students of America. View Gabriella's essay.



Youth Tour Alternate — Rachel Pitts

Rachel Pitts is a junior at Jack C. Hays High School in Buda. View Rachel's essay.



Youth Tour Alternate — Julianne Six

Julianne Six is a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School, where she is involved in swimming, track and field, band, and the Philosophy Club. View Julianne's essay.