Walton EMC is Choosing Delegates for an Expenses-Paid Leadership Experience in Washington, D.C. 

It might be that first glimpse of the Washington Monument just as your vehicle crossed the Potomac River. Perhaps it was listening to the national anthem while looking at the original Star Spangled Banner on display in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Or, maybe, it was the emotional response to the memorials honoring those who served our country in the armed forces. It seems no one who visits Washington, D.C., leaves without a treasured memory.

This June, some future leaders will get to experience their own special moments in our nation’s capital. Every year, Walton EMC sends four local high school sophomores or juniors to represent our co-op, hone their leadership skills and experience our nation’s capital on the Washington Youth Tour. The best news of all: All expenses for the trip are paid!

Entry Forms Are Due by Friday, February 9th!

Walton EMC representatives will have an opportunity to make their own memories while joining electric cooperative youths from around Georgia, and the country, for the 2018 Washington Youth Tour on June 7–14. 

For Chip Chambers, a Walton EMC delegate in 2014, making new friends was the best part of the experience.

“It was 109 students from all across Georgia who started out not knowing each other,” said the current University of Georgia student who plans to attend medical school. “We started with awkward handshakes and ended with tears and hugs. The people I got to know were all high-caliber.”

Rachel Cole, a 2013 delegate who went on to major in accounting at the University of Georgia, agrees with Chambers’ assessment. She said she formed “friendships that will last a lifetime.”

“My favorite part of the tour was meeting some of the best teens from around the country,” she recalled. “Everyone in the group was responsible, mature, fun, motivated and enthusiastic.”

During the tour students have the opportunity to interact with state and national leaders, learn how government works and visit iconic sites in our nation’s capital.

Encourage a Student to Enter

The search is on for the four students who will represent the cooperative for this year’s Washington Youth Tour. The deadline to enter is Friday, Feb. 9.

Eligible students must:

• Be a high school sophomore or junior.
• Live or attend a school in Walton EMC’s Service Area.
• Have your parent’s permission to enter.
• Commit to making the trip on June 7-14, if selected as a winner.

On Monday, March 5, those entering will take a test over study material received in the mail. The top eight scorers will move on to the interview round. Judges will select four winners and two alternates.

Do you know a student who would be a worthy representative of Walton EMC for the 2018 Washington Youth Tour? Encourage that student to enter today by forwarding an Entry Form.

WATCH: See what last year’s Georgia delegates had to say about their Washington Youth Tour experience