Hardy Telecommunications will send two local students on a four-day trip to our nation’s capital, giving them the chance to see our country’s historic sites and meet students from all over the United States.
One student each from Moorefield and East Hardy high schools will be selected to attend the 2020 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., June 6-10. The trip includes sightseeing to D.C.’s famous landmarks as well as educational sessions to teach today’s youth about the telecommunications industry. Hardy Telecommunications will pay all basic expenses, including travel.
The Youth Tour provides students from rural areas with a first-hand look at the telecommunications industry and educates students about the legislative and governmental processes. Students will visit the U.S. Capitol Building and hear presentations from representatives of Capitol Hill and the Federal Communications Commission.
In addition to the FCC and U.S. Capitol, past groups have visited the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, Mount Vernon (home of George Washington), the Vietnam War Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, the Korean War Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. A night tour of Washington is also planned.
Hardy can only sponsor one student from Moorefield High and one from East Hardy High. Applications for the tour may be picked up from the high schools or by contacting Derek Barr at Hardy’s Moorefield Office, telephone 304-530-5000. To be eligible for the trip, students must be 16 or 17 years old at the time of the tour and receive either telephone, Internet, or television service from Hardy Telecommunications. Preference for selection also will be given to students from the 2021 graduating class.
The deadline to return applications is February 14, 2020. Applications may be returned to either the high school guidance counselors or directly to Derek Barr, Hardy Telecommunications, 121 South Main St., Moorefield, WV 26836.
Derek strongly encouraged students to apply.
“Last year we didn’t receive any applications from one of the Hardy County high schools, so we sent two students from one school,” he said. “We are limited to two students, but we definitely want to send one student each from Moorefield and East Hardy if possible.”
Derek has worked as a chaperone for the FRS Youth Tour for several years.
“It’s a great experience for the students, because they’re assigned to different teams and have the chance to meet peers from all over the country,” he said. “As a chaperone, I have students from other states assigned to my group. Some of those students I’m still in touch with after more than a decade, from Oregon to Iowa. For many students, this is the only chance they’ll have to visit D.C. It’s really a unique opportunity,” he said.
Moorefield High Seniors Allison Barr and Kennedie Hinger attended the 2019 FRS Youth Tour. Both thanked Hardy Telecommunications for the experience.
“Though I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect on the trip, it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Allison said. “I went on the trip among complete strangers and came out with a group of close friends from all over the country.”
“Overall, this was a once-in-a-lifetime, humbling, educational opportunity!” Kennedie said.
Established in 1994 by NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes, educates and advocates rural telecom issues in order to sustain and enhance the quality of life within communities throughout rural America. Read more about FRS youth programs by visiting www.frs.org.