Blue Ridge Mountain EMC - Washington Youth Tour

That’s how Towns County High School delegate Kristie McConnell described her seven-day experience on the Washington Youth Tour this year. It’s always pleasing to hear such descriptions, but it is not surprising; the trip is designed to be nothing less than the week of a lifetime for the students.

Hannah Mott, Amy Butterworth, Morgan Smith, and Kristie McConnell Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is thrilled each year to participate in this tremendous leadership program, sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives. In June, BRMEMC’s delegates— Morgan Smith, Hannah Mott, Amy Butterworth and Kristie McConnell—were among 104 of Georgia’s brightest high school students sent on this unique journey. By the end of the trip, held June 9-16, students’ lives have been transformed. The trip gives them confidence, broadens their horizons and helps them see the opportunities available to them. It also provides them a network of successful young people for life.

I have had the wonderful opportunity of witnessing firsthand the lasting impression the Youth Tour leaves on the delegates. It teaches students about U.S. history, government and careers in public service. The primary purpose of the tour is to teach students the values electric cooperatives bring to the communities they serve, promote civic involvement, enlighten youth on today’s pressing energy issues and provide a personal view of the nation’s rich heritage.

Each BRMEMC delegate expressed her appreciation for having the opportunity to spend the week with such an amazing collection of peers. “It was important to meet as many people as you could because you may never get a chance like this again,” Amy said.

“Touring all the museums and meeting our senators and congressmen was such an eye-opening experience,” Hannah said. “I will never forget this trip and the impact it has left on me.”

Kristie reflected on the opportunity the trip presented to her. “Not only did I get to look down over the clouds from an airplane window for the first time, but I also was able to see more than my small town which I have always known.”

“The trip was amazing in every way,” Morgan said. “It was a true life-changing experience to see how everyone thrived while learning about the history of our country.”

Each year, a diverse group of high-achieving students attend the Washington Youth Tour, and each year they return with their aspirations raised even higher. Their ambition to make a positive difference always provides me with hope for our country’s future.