(Jasper, GA) – Amicalola EMC is pleased to announce that 138 high school seniors from across the cooperative’s service area were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship presentation took place at the Youth Awards Banquet on March 20, held at Chattahoochee Technical College in Jasper. These scholarships are granted based primarily on academic performance, SAT/ACT scores, and financial need.
In addition to the scholarships, four outstanding students were selected as delegates for the 2025 Washington Youth Tour, an all-expense-paid leadership trip sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives, including Amicalola EMC.
Madelyn Davis (Gilmer County), Gracie Gaitanoglou (Gilmer County), Jack Tatum (Pickens County), and Cash Williams (Gilmer County) were chosen through a competitive application process, which included submitting an essay and participating in an in-person interview with the Amicalola EMC selection committee. Along with the Washington Youth Tour experience, each delegate will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Since its inception in 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has empowered high school students by providing them with the chance to develop their leadership skills. This year’s tour, which will take place June 13-20, 2025, offers delegates the opportunity to meet policymakers, explore historic landmarks, and engage in leadership activities while making lasting connections with peers from across Georgia and the nation.
Todd Payne, CEO of Amicalola EMC, highlighted the significance of the Youth Tour in shaping the future. "Investing in our youth and nurturing the next generation of leaders is essential for the success of our communities and nation," Payne said. "We view this program as a powerful way to show these students that they are part of a dedicated group of individuals ready to lead and serve others."
To view a complete list of seniors who were awarded a $1,000 scholarship and were recognized at the Amicalola EMC Youth Awards Banquet please
All scholarships are funded in accordance with O.C.G.A. §44-12-236.
Amicalola EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 56,000 locations in portions of Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Lumpkin, Murray and Pickens counties.