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Youth Tour 2025: In Our Own Words


The Heart of Democracy
By Brynn Lee Hirata
What once were distant stories in U.S. history textbooks and glimpses on a silver screen, instantly became real around me. From soaring monuments and impactful memorials to legendary halls of government. The 2025 Youth Tour didn’t just bring me from a small island in the middle of the Pacific to the nation’s capital. It invited me to step directly into the heart of American history, transforming the past into an experience I could truly see, hear and feel.
Setting foot on Capitol Hill offered a firsthand glimpse into the heart of American democracy. We explored the rotunda, a breathtaking space adorned with large historical paintings and sculptures that commemorate pivotal moments in our nation’s history. The magnificence of the symbolic design, combined with the energetic atmosphere of the working Capitol, made this visit both educational and awe inspiring.
The U.S. Army Museum brought to life American military history with its display. Inside, artifacts like the sword of George Washington and interactive exhibits told tales of soldiers and their sacrifices. Walking through the newly installed Nisei Soldier Experience Exhibit hit home for me. I was astonished when viewing the collection of photos and stories of the Japanese American Soldiers during World War II. Many of those included were born and raised in Hawaiʻi. One of whom was Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii, a Medal of Honor recipient from Hanapepe, Kauaʻi. Learning about their courage, resilience and the challenges of fighting for a country that questioned their loyalty filled me with pride and gratitude, inspiring me to honor their legacy by embracing the values of community that shape Hawaiʻi’s spirit today.
Connecting and building relationships with the Kansas delegation truly became the glue of this trip. The heart and spirit each Kansas delegate possessed made me feel welcomed and included, whether it was the long conversations on bus rides and tours, sitting down together to eat or even cracking jokes together to lift our spirits. Their willingness to encourage and involve us will always be something near and dear to my heart. I'm glad to now call these people my friends, my family, my ohana.
I am beyond grateful for this opportunity made possible by Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative, Kansas Electric Cooperative and NRECA. Their support opened doors to unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships that have broadened my horizons beyond measure.
Caption: Brynn, Abby Whittaker and Emma Petersilie in Old Town Alexandria.

A New Outlook
By Sydney Ito
At the start of Youth Tour, I was on edge about traveling with people I’ve never met before. However, I experienced the most rewarding and life-changing trip of my life. I’ve created so many close bonds with other delegates, and visiting various museums and memorials provided a new outlook into our history.
First meeting with the Kansas delegates, we all found similarities through sports and other extracurricular activities. Throughout the trip, we learned so much about each other and how we live our lives. Even though we are living in the same world, depending where we live, it can change the values and priorities we may have. This showed me how the rest of the world can be so different, and we just may not know it until we experience it.
Going into the trip, I had some prior knowledge of U.S. history and some events that took place. My favorite and most impactful museum was the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was gut-wrenching seeing how they were treated because of things they couldn’t control. It made me realize that we need to learn and reflect on the past to progress towards the future.
The Potomac boat cruise was my favorite way our group got to bond. Learning new line dances from the delegates and teaching them the electric slide was definitely a highlight. It was a break from all the learning and walking we were doing but in a fun way.
It was an honor to represent KIUC and Hawai’i at the NRECA convention. This was my first trip to the East Coast, and although the jet was insane, it was so worth it!
Caption: Sophia Wedel and Sydney at the White House.

Inspiring Greatness
By Cedric Crampton-Nabaa
I am incredibly honored to have participated in the 2025 Youth Tour. I know it’s early, but this will undoubtedly go down as one of my favorite life experiences. Whether it was seeing landmarks, making connections with other delegates or learning invaluable lessons, the memories and experience will last a lifetime.
Washington, D.C., is brimming with history. As I walked the city, I felt the power of being in a place shaped by important events and people. At Arlington National Cemetery, I saw hundreds of graves, including John F. Kennedy’s and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was awestruck watching the flawless changing of the guard ceremony, which must have taken thousands of hours to perfect.
The Holocaust Museum, though heavy, was one of the most impactful I’ve ever visited. I had heard about the atrocities, but seeing them firsthand brought a deeper understanding. I left reflecting on what I’d learned and how to use it to better myself. Touring the monuments and memorials served as testaments of grand figures, inspiring me, and others, to strive for greatness.
After hearing powerful speeches, like Mike Schlappi’s “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” I left inspired. One quote that stuck with me is, “I got shot, what’s your problem?” Though I’ve never faced anything that serious, I decided to make the most of every situation and keep my chin up.
I met so many incredible people. Our Hawai‘i-Kansas delegation quickly became close, and I loved hearing perspectives from other states. I hadn’t grasped how fun and impactful it would be. Making friends was a part of what made the tour unforgettable.
This was the adventure of a lifetime. I’ll never forget it, and I’m proud and grateful to KIUC for giving me the opportunity to represent Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i.
Caption: Youth Tour delegates meet with Senator Brian Schatz.

Separated by Land, Joined by Experience
By Brody Kapali
At first, hearing “Kansas” and “Hawai’i” in the same sentence confused me. The selection seems so random! A red and blue state, landlocked and surrounded by the ocean, I came into this extremely wary of how our group’s dynamic would unfold. However, although we are separated by land, we were joined by experience, making this trip’s turnout pleasantly surprising.
When I first landed in Kansas, I thought I was prepared for any culture shock I’d experience, considering myself relatively well-traveled. I was proven wrong quickly as soon as I met the delegates. Everything I did felt like I didn’t know how to be socially acceptable. What we learned and how we interacted were vastly distinct. Even their handshakes were different. But I think those differences are what joined us together. I’d experienced a kind of sonder. Everybody I was touring with had rich pasts, and it was eye-opening as I learned more about every person, providing me more knowledge about the world I live in and even myself.
Throughout the tour in Washington, D.C., we visited a plethora of monuments and museums that all told a story of our nation’s history. But what stuck out to me was the Planet Word museum. As someone who aspires to become a communications major, it was extremely impactful to see how our language has evolved through different eras. They even included Hawaiian. Language is how we can exchange information and influence others, giving it the power to change the course of our nation’s history.
Even now, after a whole month, the thought of this trip hasn’t left my mind. If not for the tour, there would’ve been no possibility of our camaraderie with Kansas, nor my experience with this one-of-a-kind opportunity, making me extend my gratitude wholeheartedly for KIUC and NRECA.
Caption: Sydney and Brody in the Oval Office at The People's House.