El Campo Teens Chosen for Youth Tour

Wharton County Electric Cooperative has selected Brody Payne and Paisley Hlavaty to represent the cooperative on the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

Brody, a senior at El Campo High School and the son of Brayden and Brittanie Payne of District 9, plans to pursue a career in the energy industry. With family ties to line work and hands-on experience through school automotive programs and local employment, he hopes the Youth Tour will expand his understanding of how electricity is produced and delivered across the country. He emphasized that leadership means listening, collaborating, and learning from others.

Paisley, a sophomore at El Campo High School and the daughter of Douglas and Barbara Hlavaty of District 8, is active in athletics, FFA, and 4-H. She has earned top honors in the Food Challenge competition, qualified for district track events, and served in FFA leadership roles. Paisley plans to pursue marine sciences and believes the Youth Tour will strengthen her leadership skills and confidence as she prepares for future academic goals.

“Youth Tour is one of the most meaningful ways we live out our commitment to community,” said GM/CEO Gary Raybon. “Brody and Paisley represent the leadership and service values that define our cooperative.”

The delegates will join other Texas students in Austin before traveling to Washington, D.C., this summer.

For more information about Youth Tour, please contact Brenda Moreno at (979) 543-6271 or visit MyWCEC.coop/YouthTour.