Hardy Telecommunications is offering local students the opportunity of a lifetime by sponsoring a free four-day trip to our nation’s capital.

One junior each from Moorefield and East Hardy high schools will be selected to attend the 2010 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., June 5-9.  During the tour, the students will meet peers from all over the United States.  The trip includes sightseeing as well as educational sessions to teach today’s youth about the telecommunications industry.  Hardy Telecommunications will pay all basic expenses, including travel.

Students and chaperones pose at the U.S. Capitol during the 2009 FRS Youth Tour.  Photo courtesy of the Foundation for Rural Service.

The Youth Tour provides students from rural areas with a first-hand look at the telecommunications industry, and educates students about the legislative and governmental processes.  Students will visit the U.S. Capitol Building and hear presentations from representatives of Capitol Hill and the Federal Communications Commission.

“Aside from the sightseeing and educational opportunities, one of the main benefits is getting the chance to meet so many people from around the country,” said Hardy Marketing/Human Resource Director Derek Barr, who also serves as a chaperone for the event.  “All of the students are sponsored by their local rural telephone companies, so most come from small towns just like we have in Hardy County.  In many cases the students make lifelong friendships; I’m still in touch on Facebook with several students from past tours.”

This year’s preliminary agenda includes visits to the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, Mount Vernon (home of George Washington), the Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, the Korean War Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.  A night tour of Washington and special entertainment are also planned, including a dance the final night complete with professional DJ.

Because of the widespread interest in the tour from students around the country, Hardy can only sponsor one student from Moorefield High and one from East Hardy High.  Applications for the tour may be picked up from the guidance counselors at both high schools or by contacting Derek at Hardy’s Lost River Office, telephone 304-897-9911.  To be eligible for the trip, students must be high school juniors of the 2011 graduating class and be either 16 or 17 years old at the time of the tour.  Students must also receive service from either Hardy Telecommunications or HardyNet.

The deadline to return applications is February 12, 2010.  Applications may be returned to either the high school guidance counselors or directly to Derek Barr, Marketing/Human Resource Director, Hardy Telecommunications, 2255 Kimseys Run Road, Lost River, WV 26810.