Gordon Lee grad representing NGEMC on Washington Tour

North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (NGEMC) selected five area high school students to attend the 2016 Washington Youth Tour, a leadership experience sponsored by NGEMC and other electric membership cooperatives in Georgia.

The tour delegation includes: Julianna Putman, Gordon Lee High School; Thelma Aguilar, Lynsey Bridges, Anisha Mittal, all of Northwest Whitfield High School and Melia Carter, Calhoun High School. NGEMC’s five delegates were chosen through a rigorous application and interview process that considered leadership experience, academic excellence, and school and community involvement.

According to NGEMC’s Community Outreach coordinator, Amy Blankenship, the tour was established to inspire the next generation of leaders. This year’s tour, is taking place June 9-16. Each year the teens are challenged to consider the part they play in government and the coopera- tive movement, to become involved citizens, and to consider careers in public service. “These students represent the next generation of educated, engaged citizen leaders in our communities and country,” Blankenship said. “It’s important for them, especially at this critical age, to experience the nation’s capital, to see monuments and memorials honoring those who made sacrifices so that we can live and worship in a free society, and introduce them to students who share similar hopes and dreams but also come from a variety of backgrounds and different parts of the state and country.”

Teen-delegates will explore government on a local and national level, gathering in Atlanta before departing for Washington D.C. Upon arrival in D.C., participants will have a unique opportunity to meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues that are important back home. Georgia’s delegation convenes with more than 1,700 youth representing cooperatives across the nation.

Julianna Putman