Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is proud to announce its 2026 Washington D.C. Youth Tour Delegates. For more than 20 years, UEC has sponsored local high school juniors on an all-expense-paid educational trip to the nation’s capital each June. The program is part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour, a national initiative designed to cultivate leadership, civic engagement, and an understanding of public policy among students connected to electric cooperative communities.
Selected to represent UEC in 2026 are Peightin Zumwalt of Hermiston and Samantha Yates of Irrigon. They will join more than 1,500 students from across the United States for a weeklong experience in Washington, D.C. During the Youth Tour, delegates will meet with Oregon’s congressional leaders, visit national monuments and historic landmarks, and participate in structured leadership development activities.
Peightin Zumwalt’s selection reflects her sustained commitment to service, leadership, and academic achievement. She maintains a 3.89 GPA while dedicating her time as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom, where she provides daily support to students who require additional guidance and care. Through firsthand experience, she developed a desire to give back. As she explains, “Giving back and sharing time with others that have disabilities is an important part of my life.”
Beyond the classroom, Peightin is actively engaged in school and community initiatives, including canned food drives, toy drives, coat drives, car washes, pie fundraisers, and FFA plant sales. For several years, she has volunteered with the Hermiston Police Department Christmas Food and Toy Drive, assisting first responder families in preparing and distributing food boxes, clothing, and gifts to families in need. As a member of a first responder family, she has an extra appreciation of the impact these events have in the community.
Her extracurricular involvement also includes active participation in FFA, volleyball, and basketball. Academically, she has earned Honor Roll distinction and Student of the Month recognition. She placed second in the State FFA Floriculture competition and earned district recognition in the Milk Quality Department.
Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a detective in a Special Victims Unit and intends to obtain a secondary degree in nursing to enhance her ability to serve individuals and families in crisis.
Samantha Yates similarly exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and service. She is actively involved in FBLA, Key Club, and the National Honor Society, where she serves as Secretary. In these roles, she helps coordinate initiatives that benefit her school and community, including the school blood drive and upcoming volunteer service at a children’s science fair.
Athletically, Samantha competes at a high level in both softball and tennis. She plays for the Washington Angels 16U travel softball team and is a member of her school’s varsity tennis team. During her freshman and sophomore years, she qualified for the state tennis tournament and earned varsity letters each season. As a freshman, she placed fourth in girls doubles at districts; as a sophomore, she became the District Doubles Champion. Through the Washington Angels program, she has volunteered at the Cable Bridge Run, supported the Washington Angels Golf Tournament, contributed annually to Toys for Tots, and assisted with service projects in Colorado benefiting children in need.
In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Samantha serves as a school intern through Morrow County as a SPURS mentor at ACH Elementary, supporting younger students in their academic and personal growth. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and earned annual Honor Roll distinction. Her academic honors include Outstanding Underclassman in Social Sciences (Sociology), Outstanding Underclassman in Algebra I, and third place in the Math Relay at the Eastern Oregon High School Math Competition.
After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in education or interior design and hopes to continue her softball career at the collegiate level.
Robert Echenrode, President/CEO of UEC, stated, “At UEC, we are proud to offer this transformative opportunity to the next generation in our communities. We honor all applicants who applied and thank each of them for standing out as exceptional young adults making a difference in our region.”
For more information about the NRECA Youth Tour program, visit UEC’s Youth Programs page.