September 2005
33
Middle Georgia EMC Newsletter
Member Newsletter
Middle Georgia
Middle Georgia
The Official Newsletter of Middle Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
"Georgia's EMCs have identified some of
the most outstanding young people in our
state and offered them a weeklong experi-
ence that is priceless," said Rep. Brooks
Coleman, who spoke at the Youth Tour for
the 10th year in a row.
By Jackie Kennedy
R
ODNEY CHRIST
OPHER
P.O. Box 190, Vienna, GA 31092
September 2005
he students stood fascinated
in Ford's Theatre where
Abraham Lincoln was assassinat-
ed, traced names of soldiers
etched into the wall at the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, laid
a wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier at the Arling-
ton National Cemetery, and shed
tears as they toured the United
States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Then, the teens traded heavy
lessons for lighthearted fun as they
launched onto the Potomac for a
riverboat dinner cruise.
That's only a taste of two days
from the eight-day smorgasbord of
activities Georgia high school stu-
dents feasted on during the 2005
Washington Youth Tour (WYT)
held June 16-23.
Annually sponsored by the
nation's electric membership coop-
eratives (EMCs), the tour connects
more than 1,400 high school jun-
iors and seniors from 44 states for
a fast-paced week of firsthand
learning about the nation's history
and how government works. From
Georgia, 91 students representing
35 of the state's EMCs took part in
the all-expenses-paid trip, with
each local EMC footing the bill for
its student representatives.
It's money well spent, accord-
ing to state Rep. Brooks Coleman,
T
The 2005 Washington Youth Tour:
`It brought all of my history
books to life'
The 2005 Washington Youth Tour:
`It brought all of my history
books to life'
D
ANIEL PECK STUDIOS
Left to right, Jessica Thompson of
Pineview, Lauren Warbington of Vienna
and Ashleigh Young of Hawkinsville
attended the Washington Youth Tour
as Middle Georgia EMC delegates.
What the delegates
say about:
The most meaningful aspect of
the tour
Kailey Dees
(Altamaha EMC, Lyons): It is
amazing to me that the people who put
together the Washington Youth Tour have
so much faith in every student who
attends. It gives me an awesome sense
of responsibility and pride.
Porschia Phelps
(Flint Energies,
Reynolds): Before this trip, it took me 16
years to find good friends, but in these
seven days, I met 90 people who
became my friends for a lifetime.
Hannah Farrow
(Hart EMC, Hartwell): It
was when we visited the Capitol and I
got to meet Saxby Chambliss, Johnny
Isakson and Charlie Norwood. They all
seemed like such nice, down-to-earth
men who really do listen to the people.
Jessica Fountain
(Ocmulgee EMC,
Eastman): When I left for the trip, my
knowledge of history was lacking in every
See Washington Youth Tour
on page 34
See Delegates on page 34
34
GEORGIA MAGAZINE
Middle Georgia EMC Newsletter
Georgia's delegates (clockwise, from top
left): Matthew Gravett (GreyStone
Power), Jamie Ammons (Satilla REMC),
Craig Smith (Walton EMC) and Lindley
Hall (Rayle EMC) participate in the
wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier.
A real team-building success, the Youth
Tour delegates entertained new friends
as "balloon pirates" enroute to D.C.
destinations in the bus.
way. Now, I know so much more about our
country and where that history took place.
The one most enjoyable event
Melissa Miller
(Flint Energies): I enjoyed the
question-and-answer session with the con-
gressmen. I found it very interesting to hear
their political views knowing that these are
the men who make our laws.
Caitlin Jones
(Grady EMC, Cairo): My
favorite event was visiting the Smithsonian
museums. In one day, I saw the Spirit of St.
Louis, Native American art, billion-year-old
fossils, the Hope Diamond and Judy
Garland's shoes from "The Wizard of Oz."
Laura Gill
(Southern Rivers Energy, Barnes-
ville): The Iwo Jima Sunset Parade was
awesome ... at the end a band member
played "Taps." I now have a greater
appreciation for our soldiers.
Their view of the world
Lou Woods
(Canoochee EMC, Reidsville):
I feel I have matured very much in just one
week and have a newfound respect for
politicians and the president.
Courtney Miller
(GEMC/Planters EMC,
Millen): The trip taught me that many deci-
sions are made in D.C. that affect each one
of us every day.
Britton Tuck
(Ocmulgee EMC, Eastman):
Meeting with congressmen and senators
who have had tremendous influences on
our nation empowered me. They are
examples that one person is powerful
enough to make changes.
Their future leadership roles?
Daniel Hannoush
(Cobb EMC, Marietta):
I learned that one person can make a dif-
ference, and I can be a leader in anything.
Amanda DeCastro
(GEMC/Cobb EMC):
After meeting with Congress, I think that I
would like to work in government to make
situations better for foster children.
Brittany Baldwin
(Irwin EMC, Ocilla): The
people in Washington inspire me. If ordi-
nary people can catch one dream to
become a senator, representative and
even president, I know I can.
Kate Freeman
(Planters EMC, Millen):
After college, I plan to get a degree in law
and later run for a Georgia senate seat.
Laura Gill
(Southern Rivers Energy): This
tour took us to an all-time high for self-
esteem. It helped me realize that I can do
anything if I set my mind to it.
What they will tell their peers
Erika Gemzer
(Jackson EMC, Jefferson):
It is the most exciting, fast, rewarding and
tiring adventure of my young life. And,
best of all--free!
Kassie Daniel
(Oconee EMC, Dublin): I
will tell them how much fun it was, but
also how much I learned and how incredi-
ble it was to make 90 new friends.
Kari Brown
(Washington EMC, Sanders-
ville): Wow! I will tell them to apply! This
trip has been life-changing and the lessons
and friendships will last a lifetime.
The overall tour experience
Kailey Dees
(Altamaha EMC): A few
words come to mind: fun, exciting, edu-
cational, motivating, once-in-a-lifetime--
but most importantly, life-changing.
Winston Dangler
(Blue Ridge Mountain
EMC, Young Harris): I had the opportunity
to see two well-known senators, Joe
Lieberman and John McCain, but the
greatest thing was meeting my peers who
were all intelligent and able to carry out
discussions about political and social
aspects.
Porschia Phelps
(Flint Energies): I gained
so much from this: friends, confidence
and knowledge, and none of that
would have been possible without the
Georgia EMCs.
chairman of the Georgia House
Education Committee, who spoke at
the Youth Tour Kickoff Banquet in
Atlanta.
"This is without a doubt the
best program I've ever seen, and I
commend our EMCs for taking on
this project," said Coleman, a retired
educator.
In Atlanta, students visited
Georgia EMC offices, the Governor's
Mansion and CNN. In Washington,
MARIAN PEARCE
Left to right: Claudette Jones (Coastal
Electric Cooperative), Valencia Gunn
(Diverse Power), Angel Saini (Flint
Energies), Porschia Phelps (Flint Energies)
and Asya Muhammad (Coastal Electric
Cooperative) make friends at the
Georgia Governor's Mansion.
Washington Youth Tour,
Continued from page 33
Delegates,
Continued from page 33
September 2005
35
Middle Georgia EMC Newsletter
Sen. Saxby Chambliss answers questions from the Georgia
Youth Tour delegates at the Russell Senate Office Building.
CA
R
OLE
THOMPSON
they toured the White House,
Smithsonian Institution museums
and all in-between. Representatives
of the National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association (NRECA)
tagged along with the Georgia dele-
gation, taking video to document
the experience.
Students spent a full day on
Capitol Hill, where they met
Georgia's U.S. representatives,
observed the Senate in session,
and were photographed with Sens.
Saxby Chambliss and Johnny
Isakson.
They heard presentations by
Paralympian medalist Mike Schlappi
and Nebraska Sen. Dave Landis,
who portrayed George Norris, the
U.S. senator from Nebraska who
authored the 1930s legislation creat-
ing the Rural Electric Administration.
They also toured the Roosevelt,
Jefferson, World War II, Korean War
and Iwo Jima memorials; the Lincoln
Memorial; the National Cathedral;
the Bureau of Printing and
Engraving; and Mount Vernon.
"It brought all of my history
books to life," says WYT delegate
Regina Holliday of East Dublin, who
represented Altamaha EMC on the
tour. "It opened my eyes to the way
government works."
That's why the Washington
Youth Tour exists. In 1957, then Sen.
Lyndon Johnson inspired the WYT
by encouraging electric co-ops to
send youngsters to the nation's capi-
tal "where they actually see what the
flag stands for and represents." Since
1964, the nation's EMCs have spon-
sored almost 40,000 high school stu-
dents on the tour.
"This tour brings home to stu-
dents the reality that freedom isn't
free," says Gale Cutler, GEMC's pub-
lic relations coordinator and Geor-
gia's WYT co-director. "We go by
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on
Father's Day, and there are always
notes to dads there. One girl told
me she'd never thought about all
the people who gave the ultimate
sacrifice for her freedom until she
saw the notes."
The Washington Youth Tour
brings history to life and impacts
America's future by inspiring its
brightest young people. Over the
years, former WYT participants
have become lawyers and legisla-
tors, teachers and trendsetters.
Who knows where the "Trip of a
lifetime" will take this year's tour
participants.
Considering the impact the
Washington Youth Tour has had
on American teens for four
decades, anything can happen.
Jackie Kennedy is a LaGrange-
based freelance writer.
The delegates go on a roll in a team-building exercise in Atlanta
before leaving for Washington, D.C.
R
ODNEY CHRIST
OPHER
D
ANIEL PECK STUDIOS
Delegates visited the Vietnam War
Memorial on Father's Day.
For information on how to apply for
next year's Washington Youth Tour, call
Middle Georgia EMC at (229) 268-2671.
36
Middle Georgia EMC Newsletter
Board of Directors
Don Wood
President
Johnny Noble
Vice President
Kay West
Secretary
Ronnie Youngblood
Treasurer
Jerry F. Rhodes
Director
Royce Conner
Director
Ronnie Fleeman
Director
John David McCall
Director
David Dunaway
Director
Davis and Forehand
Attorneys
Staff
Hugh Richardson
General Manager
Lisa Laney
Executive Secretary,
Newsletter Editor
Randy Kent
Office Manager
Mike McGee
Manager of Operations
and Engineering
Vienna Area (229) 268-2671
Rochelle
(Day) (229) 365-2263
(Night) 1-800-342-0144
Hawkinsville
(Day) (478) 892-3436
(Night) 1-800-342-0144
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
(Branch offices closed from
12-1 p.m. daily)
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
There is a dispatcher on call 24 hours
a day for your convenience.
GEORGIA MAGAZINE
A speech communications
major at the University of Georgia,
Autumn Pound attended her first
Washington Youth Tour in 2002
representing Washington EMC in
Sandersville. This summer, she
participated with the WYT for the
fourth year, now working on the
national level.
As a participant that first year,
Pound was chosen by Georgia's
82 delegates to serve on the Youth
Leadership Council, representing
Georgia on the national council.
As National Staffer, Pound helps
by assigning students hotel rooms
according to their states and
organizing Youth Day events.
"I've never had another oppor-
tunity hit me like this one," she
says. "The electric co-ops are help-
Autumn Pound (center), a 2002 delegate,
poses with Kari Brown and Jake Rachels,
this year's delegates from Washington EMC
in Sandersville.
Above and beyond:
WYT delegates make their mark
Mike Moroz receives award
from Georgia Congressman
Phil Gingrey.
Noah Harris, of Ellijay,
was killed in the line of
duty June 18 in Iraq.
Blair Riley, crowned
"Miss Spirit of
Georgia," is from
Statesboro.
Former participant now volunteers with WYT
ing students in the areas they serve;
it's not something other businesses
do. Now, I see the need to give back,
and that's why I help with the tour."
Alamo-based Little Ocmulgee EMC's delegate in 2000, Blair Riley of Statesboro
earned the Georgia Southern University Honors Program Community Service Award. This
year's second runner-up in the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant, Riley's numerous com-
mendations include a Daily Points of Light Award, a Points of Light Foundation honor that
recognizes America's most dedicated volunteers.
This year's WYT delegate from Upson EMC in Thomaston, Upson-Lee High School sen-
ior Mike Moroz recently received the Congressional Award Bronze Medal, an award com-
mending youth for community service. Active in Junior NROTC and an Eagle Scout, Moroz
also led efforts to secure and install benches in front of the Upson County Courthouse.
A 1998 WYT delegate from Amicalola EMC in Jasper, 1st Lt. Noah Harris, 23, of
Ellijay, died June 18 during an attack by insurgents near Baghdad. A soldier with the
Army's 69th Armor Regiment at Fort Benning, Harris was a champion wrestler and football
team captain at Gilmer High School and a 2003 graduate of the University of Georgia,
where he captained the varsity cheerleading squad. At home in Ellijay in May, he
appeared on local TV, requesting stuffed toys for children in Iraq.