Energizing local students

Meet MTE’s 2026 Washington Youth Tour writing contest winners

The Washington Youth Tour writing contest has been a cherished tradition among electric cooperatives like Middle Tennessee Electric for more than six decades. That tradition lives on, and 18 high school juniors from Cannon, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties will visit our nation’s capital from June 13-19. 

For this year’s contest, students from 20 local schools across MTE’s service territory wrote short stories explaining how their local electric cooperative is “Energizing Every Moment” by connecting Middle Tennessee communities with energy, education, broadband, economic development and other resources. 

MTE’s representatives will join nearly 2,000 students sponsored by electric cooperatives from across the country. They will have the opportunity to meet legislators and explore museums, memorials and monuments while connecting with other students and future leaders. MTE covers all trip expenses for these students. In addition to the trip winners, MTE awarded $100 cash prizes to 65 students and teachers as part of the Electric Cooperative Creative Writing Contest.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners!

For more information about how students can participate next year, visit mte.com/WashingtonYouthTour.

Read this year's winning short story by Natalie Hudgens from Stewarts Creek High School.