Four high school juniors: Madison Hilliard, Catherine Lee, Ashley Moore, and Kristina Nguyen—will represent JOEMC at this year’s Rural Electric Youth Tour.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the commitment to keeping delegates, staff, and communities safe, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has replaced the week-long in-person Youth Tour to Washington, DC with a virtual experience for 2021. This format will still allow the Youth Tour delegates to learn about government and the cooperative- way of doing business.
The four delegates representing JOEMC participated in an essay contest available at public high schools in our area. An independent panel of judges selected the winners. We are excited to recognize these four outstanding high school students chosen to represent the co-op.
Madison Hilliard, daughter of Donald and Kerry Hilliard, attends Jacksonville High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Madison participates in cross-country track, indoor track and plays soccer and lacrosse. Madison enjoys running, baking, painting and listening to music.
Catherine Lee attends Jacksonville High School and is the daughter of Ernie and Misty Lee. She is a class officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and was selected to attend Governor’s school to study dance. She is a member of Skills USA, the Unity Club, and a yearbook staff member, where she serves as Copy Editor. She recently was crowned as Miss Onslow County 2021. Catherine enjoys playing the piano, saxophone, and doing artwork. She also enjoys making blankets for the homeless and placing them on park benches with an encouraging note.
Ashley Moore, daughter of James and Lana Moore, attends Jacksonville High School, where she is a member of both the pep band and the marching band. Ashley has been a member of Avid since the sixth grade. Ashley enjoys reading, drawing, sketching and painting, and loves to listen to music.
Kristina Nguyen attends Jacksonville High School and is the daughter of Andy Nguyen. She is a member of Skills USA, FBLA, Environmental Club, and Interact. Kristina enjoys cooking, volunteering, playing tennis, softball, and reading.
In addition to their virtual experience these Youth Tour participants will receive a $1,000 academic scholarship towards their college education.