The 2021 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., has been cancelled. FRS said they made the decision to cancel the tour “due to safety concerns surrounding the ongoing pandemic, and government and tourist locations in D.C. being closed indefinitely.”
“We are sorry that Hardy County students won’t have the opportunity to experience the Youth Tour,” said Hardy Assistant General Manager Derek Barr. “The whole world is suffering through COVID-19, and students certainly are enduring their share of hardship with closed schools and cancelled sports, trips, graduations, proms, and other activities. We hope to resume sending students to the Youth Tour when possible.”
FRS representatives said they plan for the Youth Tour to return in 2022.
The Youth Tour provides students from rural areas with a first-hand look at the legislative and governmental processes concerning the telecommunications industry. Students from across the country visit the U.S. Capitol Building and hear presentations from Capitol Hill and Federal Communications Commission representatives. The trip includes sightseeing to D.C.’s famous landmarks.
Hardy Telecommunications sponsors one student each from East Hardy and Moorefield high schools to attend the tour, paying all expenses.