SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The Baldwin Electric Membership Cooperative awarded Spanish Fort High School student Wren Smith as one of four Baldwin County winners of the youth tour.

Smith, a junior, along with the other three winners in Baldwin County, March 3 will  participate in a three-day Montgomery  Youth Tour, where they will visit cooperative representatives, state legislators and multiple historic locations throughout Montgomery, Baldwin EMC Vice President Karen Moore said. The tour is part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s youth program.

Winners of the youth tour were selected by a panel of judges after a detailed application process including an essay and personal interview, she said. More than 70 students applied for the program.

Smith June 13 will participate in the Washington Youth Tour, a week for which he will visit Washington, D.C.

“I was very excited,” Smith said, recalling when Baldwin EMC members came to his school to tell him he won. “I was very happy—very, very.”

Smith said he has always been interested in politics and law, which motivated him to apply for the program.

Along with the two trips, Smith will receive a $500 scholarship to the college of his choice. Smith said he hopes to attend the University of Alabama for law or Auburn University for business. After college, he said, he hopes to work in corporate law or business administration. He said he would like to travel abroad to Spain, then eventually settle down in Spanish Fort.

Smith said he will evaluate schools after he sees his scholarship options.

While in Washington, D.C., Smith will get to visit with representatives and senators from Baldwin County’s congressional districts and explore historical landmarks.

Smith said while he is in Washington he wants to see the Congress and legislative aspects of lawmaking.

Smith’s teacher sponsor, Spanish Fort High School gifted education teacher Timothy Williamson, will receive a grant for classroom supplies, according to Moore.

More than 1,000 high school juniors from across the United States will make up the tour, according to Baldwin EMC.

Smith offered his endorsement to get even more kids interested. 

“I would encourage other people to apply in the coming years,” he said. “It’s a great experience.”