Jonesboro, Ark. (April 2025) — Craighead Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the selection of four outstanding high school juniors to represent the cooperative during the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. The students selected for this year’s Youth Tour are:
- Emma Watson, a junior at Paragould High School. Emma is a member of the cheer team, tennis team, SOUL Club, and Central Baptist Church youth group. She also volunteers with the WNG nonprofit organization. Emma shared, “I’m most excited to see our country’s history in real life! I also am excited to meet all the representatives for Arkansas and see who helps make this country what it is today!” She is the daughter of Carrie Gadberry Watson and Scott Watson.
- River Spurlock, a junior at Marmaduke High School. River shared, “I’ve always wanted to visit D.C. since I was young and see the Smithsonian and all the historical artifacts across American history.” He is the son of Kevin and Megan Spurlock of Marmaduke.
- Caleb White, a junior at Brookland High School and the son of Richard and Jennifer White of Brookland. Caleb said, “I am super excited to see the Smithsonian museum—especially the air and space exhibit!”
- Charlie Stegall, a junior at Jonesboro High School and the son of Brent and Justine Stegall of Bono. Charlie is involved with the Jonesboro Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council, where he helps make decisions that benefit the local community. He is also active in the Jonesboro High School Band, National Honor Society, and Jr. Beta Club. Charlie said, “What I am most excited for on this trip would be to go to the many museums our Capitol has to offer, and learn history about our great nation. Also, I’m excited to have the opportunity to learn about and observe jobs that I potentially could strive for in the future. This amazing opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without my family backing me up, who showed me this opportunity and told me to go for it.”
These students will join more than 40 peers from across Arkansas for an all-expenses-paid educational tour of the nation’s capital from June 14–20, 2025. During the trip, they will visit major landmarks such as the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol. Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet members of Arkansas’s Congressional Delegation.
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas since 1990, offering students a unique opportunity to learn about government, leadership, and the cooperative business model.
“Each year, we’re blown away by the quality of applicants we receive,” said Lindsey Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications for Craighead Electric. “These four students stood out for their leadership, service, and passion for learning. We’re proud to support them as they represent our cooperative and community on a national stage.”
For more information about the Youth Tour, visit https://aecc.com/community/youth-tour/.
