Mitchell student explores nation's capital on Youth Tour
Blindauer, the daughter of Joe and Cathy Blindauer, was one of four students selected by Central Electric to represent the region on the South Dakota delegation of 36 students. The trip, held June 15 — 21, introduced high schoolers from 44 states to the inner workings of American government, the legacy of the nation's past and the importance of rural electric cooperatives in their communities.
To earn her spot, Blindauer submitted a five-paragraph essay describing a historical event and how she would change it. While she admits the writing process wasn't too intimidating — "not horrible," as she described it — her passion for history was a clear motivator.
"I've always liked history class," she said. "And there's so much of it in D.C., so I knew I wanted to go."
Once there, the students followed a packed itinerary that took them from iconic monuments to emotionally powerful museums. One of the most memorable stops for Blindauer was the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Spending about two hours inside, she described it as a deeply moving experience.
"It was really eye-opening," she said. "You learn about the Holocaust in school, but seeing the artifacts and stories presented in that way made it real. It was terrible to see what happened to those people and how horrible it really was."
Beyond the museums, the tour offered a close-up look at the legislative process. The students visited the U.S. Capitol multiple times — once for a guided tour and again for a day of meetings with elected officials. Blindauer was especially excited to meet U.S. Sen. John Thune in person, a moment that helped connect her classroom learning with real-world leadership.
The group also visited the U.S. Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, and viewed the White House from the outside. Stops at places like the Air and Space Museum and National Archives helped bring textbook lessons to life. When asked which site she'd revisit if given the chance, Blindauer didn't hesitate: "The Capitol. I really liked learning about how things work there."
Though the group was met with frequent rain, the less-than-ideal weather didn't dampen the experience. During hotel downtime, Blindauer said she enjoyed getting to know students from across the country.
"There were people from all over — 44 states represented," she said. "It was cool to hear how their applications worked and what their co-ops were like. I made a lot of friends during the week."
Meals were another memorable part of the journey. From breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe to a pizza night courtesy of local favorite We the Pizza, the group sampled the tastes of the capital while learning about its history. One evening, they dined at CoBank — a cooperative bank that supports rural electric systems — where they learned more about the cooperative model and its role in supporting rural America.
Blindauer, who is active in FFA and plays tennis at Mitchell High School, said the experience gave her a fresh perspective on civic engagement.
"It changed how I think about things a little," she reflected. "I don't see myself running for office or anything, but I could see myself doing something in that area."
Although she hasn't finalized her post-high school plans, Blindauer said her interest in history has only grown after the trip. Having recently completed U.S. history and government classes, the timing of the Youth Tour couldn't have been better. She even came away with a few fun facts — like the now-defunct "big money bills" the U.S. once printed.
The South Dakota Youth Tour is organized annually by the South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) in partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Since its launch in the 1960s, the program has brought over 1,300 South Dakota students to Washington. Each year, Central Electric sponsors four students, covering nearly all expenses, including airfare, lodging and meals.
The trip was more than just sightseeing. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see democracy in action, connect with peers from across the nation and gain a deeper understanding of the country's past and present. Her advice to students considering applying?
"Just apply. Don't think about it. Just do it," she said. "It's a free trip, and you have nothing to lose. You'll learn so much and have an experience you'll never forget."
Students interested in next year's Youth Tour can apply in November. More information is available at
www.centralec.coop
under Member Programs.
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