After a week filled with life-changing experiences and new friends, our 2025 Washington Youth Tour delegates wanted to share some insight into their time in Washington, D.C., while expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
Bailey Stover of Covington wrote, “I am extremely grateful to have been a delegate for the Washington Youth Tour. Before this trip, I’ll admit I was pretty unaware of the impact and importance of electrical cooperatives. But now, I clearly see the vital role they play in our communities.
My favorite sightseeing activity had to be visiting all the museums. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum were among my favorites. It was incredibly empowering to see how our nation has evolved in the face of adversity. What stood out to me across all the museums was how art and expression endured, even in times of great hardship.
Aside from the sightseeing, what I treasured most were the lifetime bonds I made. We came from all over the state, with different cultures, beliefs, values, and perspectives; but despite that, we became friends. Whether it was team-building exercises, singing on the bus, sharing umbrellas, or dancing on river cruises, there was never a dull moment. Despite our differences, we stood together and proudly represented Georgia EMC in Washington.
It was humbling to meet WYT alumni thriving in D.C. and to feel inspired to carry on the legacy.
Thank you again, Snapping Shoals EMC, for allowing me to be a delegate for the Washington Youth Tour.”
Katie Parr of Social Circle wrote, “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity! I will forever be grateful for the memories and friends I made! I enjoyed getting to learn not only about the history of our country, but also about myself and new people. I enjoyed going to the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian museums, and getting to see the Capitol and the White House! This trip had a tremendous impact on me and the way I view leadership and our country. I made so many amazing friends and memories that I will have for a lifetime! Thank y’all so much for making this trip possible for me!”
Sarah Wade of McDonough wrote, “Thank you so much, for you and everyone at Snapping Shoals EMC for making the Washington Youth Tour experience possible. I am truly honored to have represented Snapping Shoals and take part in such an impactful experience. The Washington Youth Tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience: touring our nation’s capital, meeting leaders and senators of the United States, and learning how our government functions to meet the needs of the nation. I do believe I have a different and new perspective of civic engagement, and a continued passion to pursue political science in the future. I returned home not only grateful, but fulfilled by the impact of the Washington Youth Tour. I was privileged enough to meet some lifelong friends, see historical sites, and engage as a student delegate representing Georgia. I would like to thank you one more time for the lasting memories, connections, and lessons I have gained from WYT.
Anthony Coral of McDonough wrote, “D.C. was a blast, but it was also an amazing learning experience! From touring expansive museums to meeting my own senator, Rev. Raphael Warnock, the Washington Youth Tour gave me a greater appreciation for the people that work to improve our nation day after day.
