From the Lowcountry to the Capitol

Three local students represented Palmetto Electric Cooperative on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour that took place on June 14-19. Alexander Burnett of Hilton Head Island Preparatory School, Addison White of Bluffton High School, and Sophie Olander of Hilton Head Island High School earned the opportunity to participate in the six-day experience in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Youth Tour brings together high school rising seniors from across the country to learn about government, leadership, and the cooperative business model while visiting some of the nation's most historic landmarks.

Adding to the excitement, Alexander Burnett was selected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the student-run “Soda Pop Co-op,” where participants gain hands-on experience in learning the cooperative business model.

Palmetto Electric also congratulates Jake Holland, son of Palmetto Electric Board Member Alicia Holland, who was selected to represent The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina on this year's Washington Youth Tour.

We are proud of these young leaders for representing our cooperative, our communities, and the cooperative spirit in our nation's capital. Through this experience, they are building leadership skills, forming lifelong friendships, and creating memories that will last them a lifetime.