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    REEL Kids 2008

HTC Sponsors Trip to Nation’s Capital for Two Area Youth

HTC sponsored an educational tour and all expense paid trip to Washington, DC, June 2-6, 2007, for two local students selected for the 13th Annual Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour. Chad Buffkin representing Loris High School and Taylor Easton representing Socastee High School were selected by school counselors and a selection committee at HTC. The 13th Annual Youth Tour exposed and explained the telecommunications industry in a legislative context to students from rural America. Students also had the opportunity to visit many of the historical sites in the nation’s capital.

The trip focused on a comprehensive overview of the telecommunications industry, including careers in telecommunications, the critical role telecommunications plays in rural America, and how legislative and regulatory decisions, made in Washington, affect the industry. "Today's youth are the future of telecommunications in rural America and we hope that by educating them about the industry, we will not only broaden their horizons, but also strengthen our communities," said Nicole Hyman, HTC Senior Marketing Coordinator. "We are proud to have a role in educating our local youth and contributing to the future economic health of our communities." The Youth Tour brought together 100 high school juniors from across rural America to Washington, DC on a four day culturally enriching experience. The tour allowed youth to visit the Supreme Court and US Capitol to meet with a member of Congress.

Chad Buffkin

They also participated in an informational session about the Federal Communications Commission, US Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service and more. Students visited the nations most historic and popular tour sites, including the Supreme Court and the Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials. "We hope that by providing our youth with telecommunications services comparable to those found in urban areas, as well as exposing them to cultural and educational opportunities, such as the FRS Youth Tour, our youth will remain in and become active members in their rural communities," said Hyman. The 13th Annual Youth Tour was hosted by the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). FRS leads aggressive public information, economic and community development projects, which focus on rural telecommunications, to educate the public and improve the quality of rural American life. It is the philanthropic arm of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), of which HTC is a member.

Taylor Easton

Letters from this year's attendees:

Dear Ms. Hyman,

I would just like to thank you along with HTC for giving me the opportunity to attend the FRS Youth Tour in Washington, DC.  This was my first tip to Washington, and I had a great time.  I enjoyed seeing all of the monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.  I met a lot of new people from all over the country, and learned a lot about their cultures.  This was a very rewarding experience, and I will never forget it. Thanks for everything!

Sincerely,

Chad Buffkin

Nicole,

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to travel to DC.  It was an amazing experience I will never forget.  I really appreciate HTC’s kindness and generosity. 

Thanks again,

Taylor Easton

For more information about the Youth Tour or other educational programs provided by HTC, please contact Nicole Hyman, HTC Senior Marketing Coordinator, at 369-8498.