Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative will  send two Black River students as its ambassadors for the annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Samuel Brantley  and Jonathan Meredith earned the annual seven-day, all-expense-paid trip. 

Attractions include the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Institution, the Vietnam Memorial, and Mount Vernon. The Ohio delegation will attend a performance at the Kennedy Center and take an evening cruise down the Potomac River. The pair also will be meeting Ohio congressional representatives and will attend the national Youth Day ceremonies, where they will learn more about electric cooperatives.

Samuel, 16, is the son of Karen Jennings of Sullivan Township. He is a member of National Honors Society and co-president and co-founder of the Black River High School Gaming Club. He is active in drama club and school musicals and is part of the audio visual room, where he helps fix computers. He is enrolled in dual-credit classes with the University of Akron and enjoys hiking, poetry, and photography. 

Jonathan, 16, is the son of Scott Meredith of Jackson Township. He is a member of National Honor Society, Black River band and drama club. He is active with 4-H, serving as club president, vice president, secretary, and news reporter.  He is involved in Ruriteens and Boy Scouts and participates in community service in and outside of school. He is taking honors and college classes.

The Youth Tour competition was based on the students’ scholastic record, a competitive exam consisting of general information about cooperatives and LMRE, and a recommendation letter submitted by a school or community official.