We are lucky in Georgia and the north Atlanta metro area to have some really great kids! We all know it, and it's time to salute them! Kids who inspire themselves as well as the rest of us who watch their growth and watch them mature throughout their formative years. You might be interested to know that this summer 104 motivated high school students from Georgia, representing 38 electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) including Cobb EMC, answered a call to leadership on the 2011 Washington Youth Tour (WYI), June 9-16th.
First of all, for those of you reading this who don't know what the EMC is, the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC) is the trade association for Georgia's 42 consumer-owned electric utilities. Basically Georgia's not-for-profit electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to more than 70% of the state's land area serving 4.5 million residents. Cobb EMC serves homeowners in Cobb and Cherokee County, GA.
Anyway, for these Georgia students, the week-long tour began in Atlanta, which included a visit to the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA which was the home of FDR and served as his "Camp David" of the time and was probably where he developed his "New Deal" policies that affected the entire nation. Ultimately the trip culminated in Washington, DC. The experience proved to be a lifetime adventure for the students, who joined more than 1,500 other delegates representing EMCs from 44 other states.
From 35 local applicants, this year’s contest winners included: Jacob Davis, Wheeler High School, Marietta, GA, Janvi Chawla, Walton High School, Marietta, GA, and Alexis Fish, home educated also from Cobb County. These three students also received a George R. Ford Scholorship of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively.
The Georgia delegates took the leadership challenge. While in Washington they met with representatives from Georgia's congressional delegation, including Senators Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson and U.S. Representatives John Barrow, Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey, Hank Johnson, John Lewis, Austin Scott, David Scott, Lynn Westmoreland and Rob Woodall.
The students also participated in National Youth Day and visited Washington's numerous places of interest including the national monuments -- the Jefferson, Lincoln and FDR memorials, among others--and reflected on the words of leaders who helped make America great. It doesn't take long before students soon realize that freedom isn't free after spending time at the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 300,000 people are buried.
Since 1964, electric cooperatives across the U.S. have sent more than 50,000 student delegates on the Washington Youth Tour, providing opportunities for leadership development and inspiring students to become strong, motivated leaders within their communities and nation.
The picture above shows the local Washington Youth Tour finalist’s just moments before going into their individual interviews with the Cobb EMC Women's Task Force. Earning a youth tour slot is a competitive process that includes both a written test and oral interview.
Of course we are proud of all students who participated in Cobb and Cherokee County as well as the entire state of Georgia. Congratulations to Jason Davis, Janvi Chawla and Alexis Fish! We're very proud of you!
Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works predominantly in Cobb, Cherokee, North Fulton, Forsythe and Paulding Counties for both buyers and sellers of residential, business and commercial real estate. Visit Sara Hibbard at www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind and looks forward to assisting you too when the time is right for you. Sara Hibbard is easily reachable at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481.
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