Outstanding students from across Georgia recently returned from the Washington Youth Tour, a life-changing,
McCarty (left) attends East Coweta High School and Gibson (right) attends Northgate High School.
week-long leadership experience sponsored by Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations. Timetria Gibson of Palmetto and Kai’Leia McCarty of Newnan, took part in this opportunity serving as delegates for Coweta-Fayette EMC.
From June 13–20, Gibson and McCarty joined more than 1,800 high school students from across the country in Washington, D.C., where they explored our nation’s capital, developed leadership skills and discovered the importance of civic involvement and community service.
“This experience provides a powerful, real-world lesson in history, leadership and community impact that can’t be taught in a classroom,” said Tiffany Trueblood, CFEMC Youth Tour Coordinator and Public Relations and Communications Manager. “Not only do they broaden their horizons, they meet fellow youth leaders and find the ‘co-op connection’ that is all around us.”
The 2025 Georgia delegation included 116 student delegates, 14 chaperones and three tour directors. The journey kicked off with a banquet in Atlanta, celebrating the delegates and their families before the group traveled to D.C. While in the nation’s capital, students visited iconic sites including Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Museums. They also toured revered memorials honoring Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, MLK, and veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Korea.
Georgia’s delegates also participated in a dinner cruise on the Cherry Blossom Riverboat where they took in historic sites from the Potomac River and enjoyed a night of fellowship.
“Being surrounded by so many ambitious people my age really left me inspired,” said McCarty. “I left with new friends, great memories and more excitement to achieve my goals. I loved Washington Youth Tour!”
Beyond the monuments, students engaged in thoughtful discussions on current events and civic responsibility by attending an informational congressional luncheon where students had the opportunity to visit with congressional staffers and Senator Raphael Warnock. Delegates also participated in National Youth Day, hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where keynote speaker Mike Schlappi, an Olympic gold medalist and author, shared his inspiring story of resilience and determination.
“I loved seeing sites such as the Library of Congress, Capitol and museums, but the people were so optimistic, passionate and uplifting, it really made an impact on me,” said Gibson.
The Washington Youth Tour has impacted nearly 50,000 students nationwide since its inception. Alumni have gone on to lead in science, business and government— including the U.S. Senate—and many continue to serve their communities at local and state levels.
“The connections these students make and the experiences they share have the power to shape their future, and our communities, for years to come,” said Trueblood. “As the program continues, we cannot wait to see what impact it continues to make on our future leaders.”
For those interested in the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, applications will be available in January. You can also contact ttrueblood@utility.org to be placed on a waiting list and have an application emailed to you when they are released.