CFEMC delegates learn about our nation’s capital on the Washington Youth Tour

PALMETTO, GA, July 8, 2022 – The annual Washington Youth Tour (WYT) offers Georgia delegates opportunities to learn about leadership, meet legislators, and tour iconic locations in the nation’s capital, all while bonding with peers.

Every year, Coweta-Fayette EMC (CFEMC) recognizes outstanding high school students who are leaders in their schools, communities, places of worship, or academic and community organizations by providing a valuable leadership development program for exceptional teens through the Washington Youth Tour, established by America’s electric cooperatives to inspire and educate our youth.

This year, the program returned to its original, in-person format and delegates experienced a week-long trip to Washington D.C. 70 students and 10 adults, sponsored by 26 EMCs, attended the 2022 Washington Youth Tour, held from June 16-23.

Niyah Cameron, a junior at Whitewater High School; and Jack Terrell, a junior at Newnan High School, were selected to represent CFEMC this year.

Highlights during their visit to our nation’s capital included stops at the Smithsonian museums, Washington National Cathedral, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery and the WWII, FDR, MLK Jr., Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam Veterans and 9/11 Pentagon memorials.

CFEMC delegates also enjoyed dinner and a show at Medieval Times and an evening boat cruise on the Potomac River with delegates from Arkansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Washington.

On “Capitol Hill Day,” CFEMC delegates enjoyed visits with U.S. Representatives Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Drew Ferguson, and a member from Representative Sanford Bishop’s office. Georgia delegates took a group photo with U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

“This week has been such a blast. I have to say my favorite parts of the tour were visiting the Spy Museum, touring the Holocaust Museum (because it was such a humbling experience) and being able to walk the mall and bond with my new friends that I’ve made here,” said Niyah Cameron, CFEMC WYT Delegate. Niyah is interested in several colleges, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Minnesota, the University of Southern California, and Emory University, and wants to major in kinesiology and dance, with the goal of opening her own pediatric physical therapy practice.

“This week has been incredible! I honestly can’t choose a favorite stop, but if I had to choose one it would have to be the Smithsonian’s. Just seeing all the exhibits with parts of our history – it was such a rewarding experience that I can’t even put it into words!” said Jack Terrell, CFEMC WYT Delegate. Jackson plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in biochemistry to potentially pursue a career in the medical field.

CFEMC Integrated Communications Coordinator Rachel Camp attended 2022 WYT as a chaperone. “Having the opportunity to chaperone the trip this year was such a treat! It was an eye-opening experience to watch Georgia delegates grow and gain so much knowledge throughout the week,” said Camp.

Washington Youth Tour is an incredible opportunity for the next generation of leaders and our future workforce. It provides an opportunity to learn, network and connect with like-minded teens from across the state.

The next Washington Youth Tour will take place in June 2023. Additional information and applications can be found online at www.utility.org/washington-youth-tour.

Coweta Fayette EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 80,000 consumers in Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Fulton, Clayton, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup counties.

Photos from the 2022 Washington Youth Tour can be found below.