Kaitlyn Erickstad, a junior at Starkweather High School has earned a seat on the 2023 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, a learning experience sponsored by the National Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.

The daughter of Northern Plains Electric member’s Jodi and Jonathan Erickstad of Webster, Kaitlyn will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. this summer, compliments of Northern Plains Electric Cooperative.

During the weeklong tour, Kaitlyn, and other students from across North Dakota will travel with the Montana youth delegates in the day-to-day touring of the sites, attractions, monuments and congressional office in the Washington, D.C. area.  The students will learn about electric cooperatives and discuss issues facing their community and the nation.

Applicants were asked to write an essay on the topic, “if chosen as a Youth Tour delegate, you will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to experience and learn about America’s rich history.  What moment in American history do you wish you had been a part of and what would you have contributed?”

Kaitlyn’s winning essay described the ways she would have helped the Jewish refugees aboard the S.S. St. Louis that were denied admittance into the United States.  The decision that ultimately led hundreds to their death.

Kaitlyn is active in volleyball, basketball, speech, drama, art and reading.  Congratulations Kaitlyn! We know she will represent our cooperative well.