South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (SCRTC) Sends Student on Washington, D.C., Youth Tour
When SCRTC began accepting applications from students to represent the cooperative on the 2025 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour, Aleigha Nuetzman knew what she needed to do. Her sister, Abigail, went on a similar trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Farmers RECC.
Aleigha just needed to gather her thoughts to write about the impact of broadband internet on rural communities.
“In my essay, I focused on how broadband technology in our area created educational opportunities and a new way of life,” Aleigha says. “The option of online education and social media marketing for local small businesses was the center of my essay. Without high-speed internet and broadband connection, many of the rural areas and businesses in and around Barren County would not have the platform or resources to expand their businesses and keep up with the digital age. However, with SCRTC service and broadband internet, the future for rural areas is bright.”
She was shocked to learn she won and is thankful to SCRTC for making it possible. “I was very excited and immediately told my parents and family, but was nervous because I would be flying completely alone and spending a week with strangers,” Aleigha says. “FRS was great. They calmed my nerves, and I had the absolute best time on the tour.”
Her favorite parts of the trip were visiting the U.S. Capitol, the 4 Gardens of Mount Vernon, and the National Mall.
The trip immerses students in a city filled with historical monuments and modern leaders.
“I walked away from the trip with a lot more knowledge, as well as appreciation for our country,” Aleigha says. “After learning about them in school, being able to see the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam war memorials and meeting influential people in person felt surreal.”
Aleigha is currently focused on a pathway in agriculture. She is an active member of the Barren County FFA chapter and loves learning about and working with plants and animals.
She is taking online dual credit classes through Southern Kentucky Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University. “I plan to attend a university close to home and focus on a degree that will allow me to help others in my community,” Aleigha says.