Washington D.C., August 26, 2025
News Summary
Carey Beth Honnoll, a senior at Starkville High School, proudly represented Mississippi at the National Youth Tour in Washington D.C., an event that brings together high school students to engage with lawmakers and learn about cooperatives. Honnoll was selected from a pool of 84 students in Mississippi after excelling in academic performance and leadership skills. During the tour, she participated in educational conferences and made new friends while actively engaging in cooperative discussions.
Starkville
Carey Beth Honnoll, a senior at Starkville High School, recently represented Mississippi at the National Youth Tour in Washington D.C. The program, organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), brought together students from across the nation, offering them the chance to engage with lawmakers and learn about the cooperative business model. Honnoll was one of four students from her local cooperative to attend, selected from a competitive pool of 84 high school students statewide.
Selection and Preparation
The process to become a delegate for the Youth Tour involved evaluating candidates based on their academic performance, leadership experience, and participation in extracurricular activities. Honnoll excelled in this competitive selection, securing second place among the Mississippi representatives. Last November, she attended Cooperative University (Co-op U), where she learned about the role of electric cooperatives in community development and engaged in discussions with representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Experiences in Washington D.C.
During her visit to Washington D.C., Honnoll took part in various educational conferences, where she broadened her understanding of cooperative leadership, team-building, and communication skills. She also utilized the opportunity to connect with fellow students from across the country, making several new friends during the event. An intriguing experience for Honnoll was pin trading with other Youth Tour participants; she successfully collected pins from 36 of the 44 states represented at the tour.
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
Honnoll is scheduled to graduate in May, receiving both her high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree from East Mississippi Community College. She has completed 60 semester credit hours through dual enrollment classes. Following her graduation, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi, where she intends to enroll in the Early Entry Pharmacy Program to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). In addition to her academics, Honnoll remains actively involved in various school activities as a Drum Major in the marching band, a member of the Yellow Jacket Softball team, the National Honor Society, and the Beta Club.
Internship and Community Involvement
Carey Beth is also participating in a Work-Based Learning (WBL) program this year, interning at BJ’s Pharmacy. The WBL coordinator emphasized Honnoll’s exceptional interpersonal skills and positive demeanor, making her an ideal candidate for the pharmacy internship. Her involvement in both school and community activities has contributed to her development as a leader, highlighting the importance of comprehensive education and experience in shaping young individuals.
Looking Ahead
Honnoll is scheduled to represent the 4-County area at the 2025 Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop, showcasing her dedication and promising leadership potential in her community. Her experiences at the Youth Tour and her various accomplishments suggest an optimistic outlook for her future endeavors in the field of pharmacy and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Youth Tour?
The National Youth Tour is an educational program organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) that brings together high school students from across the United States to learn about cooperatives, meet lawmakers, and explore Washington D.C.
How are students selected to represent Mississippi?
Students are selected based on a competitive evaluation that considers their grades, leadership experiences, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The selection process culminates with candidates representing local cooperatives.
What are Carey Beth Honnoll’s future educational plans?
After graduating from high school, Honnoll plans to attend the University of Mississippi and enroll in the Early Entry Pharmacy Program to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).
Key Features of the National Youth Tour
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To educate high school students about cooperatives and provide networking opportunities with peers and lawmakers. |
| Participants | A total of 84 students from Mississippi selected to represent their local cooperatives. |
| Activities | Attend conferences, meet lawmakers, engage in team-building exercises, and participate in cultural experiences. |
| Outcome | Development of leadership skills and fostering of connections among students from various states. |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Starkville High School News: Carey Beth Goes to Washington
- Clarion Ledger: Jay Hopson Hired as Starkville AD
- Starkville School District: Jacket Football Coaching Staff
- Wikipedia: Youth Leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
