WORTHINGTON -- Adrian High School sophomore Marriah Wieneke didn't think she'd have time to write a 300-word essay about energy.
Fortunately, she made the time and won a five-day trip to Washington, D.C., in June through Nobles Cooperative Electric's 2008 Youth Tour Contest.
"I'm so excited," Wieneke said. "I basically entered this contest to see how far it would take me."
Wieneke, the daughter of Andrew and Michele Wieneke of Lismore, wrote her essay about wind turbines after becoming interested in the wind boom in southwest Minnesota.
"Wind is a renewable resource, saving fossil fuels, oil and things we cannot keep using (forever), and it's really clean," Wieneke said.
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In her research, she learned about the type of wind Minnesota has and the different kinds of wind turbines in use. She learned the major cost in wind power is building the turbines, but that it's very efficient.
"It is a very interesting topic, and it's something new," Wieneke explained.
She did careful research and mailed the essay in March, to be reviewed by three judges.
Wieneke received a letter telling her she was in the top five out of the 41 students participating in the contest, along with a time and place for the next step in the contest -- an interview.
After all the candidates were interviewed, they were told who the winner was.
"Oh my gosh, I was just in shock," Wieneke said.
From June 14-19, she will visit Washington with 1,400 other students from electric cooperatives across the country. There, Wieneke will meet members of Congress, visit museums and monuments and learn more about energy related topics. She will also compete to become part of the Youth Tour leadership.
Although Wieneke is interested in energy related topics, she has already decided to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California.
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"I love to travel," Wieneke said. "I love new experiences."
Heidi Enninga, daughter of Spencer and Leann Enninga and a sophomore at Fulda Public High School, earned second place and a $150 prize.
Sara Hartzler, daughter of David and Marilyn Hartzler and a freshman at Round Lake-Brewster High School, received third place and a $100 prize.
