When McKenzie Collins boarded the bus for Washington, D.C., she expected a week of sightseeing, a few history lessons, and maybe some new friends. What she got was so much more.

Her favorite moment came during All-State Night, when students from across the country gathered together. The speaker’s message reshaped the way she thought about self-worth and life. “It was incredible,” McKenzie recalls. She also left with a heavier lanyard thanks to the many pins she traded.

Another highlight was visiting the 9/11 Memorial and meeting a veteran who had been in New York during the second plane crash. “It was one of those moments that stays with you forever,” she says.
McKenzie made three close friends during the trip, and they have talked every day since. She also connected with her advisors, who shared life advice she will always carry.

“It wasn’t just about where we went,” she explains. “It was about the people, the lessons, and stepping out of my shell.” For McKenzie, Youth Tour was not just a free trip but a life-changing adventure that opened her eyes to new ambitions and new ways to connect with others.