A group of outstanding students from across Georgia, including Caleigh Hoffard of Jasper, Zander Shute of Ellijay, Jack Swafford of Dawsonville, and Adleigh Wingate of Ellijay recently returned from the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, a transformative, week-long leadership experience and tour of Washington D.C. sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations, including Amicalola EMC.
From June 12–19, Caleigh, Zander, Jack and Adleigh joined more than 1,700 high school students from across the country in Washington, D.C., where delegates strengthened their leadership skills, explored American history firsthand and gained a deeper understanding of civic engagement and public service.
“At Amicalola EMC, our commitment goes beyond delivering reliable electric service. It also includes investing in the people and communities we serve,” said Todd Payne, president and CEO. “Sending students on the Washington Youth Tour is one meaningful way we support education, encourage civic engagement and help develop the next generation of leaders. The connections these students make and the experiences they share have the power to shape their future, as well as our communities, for years to come.”
The 2026 Georgia delegation included 115 student delegates, 14 chaperones, two tour directors and one photographer. The experience began with a banquet in Atlanta honoring the delegates and their families before the group traveled to Washington.
While in the nation’s capital, delegates visited sites including several monuments and memorials, the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums, the Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon, National Archives, the U.S. Supreme Court and Arlington National Cemetery.
Beyond the sites, students engaged in thoughtful discussions on current events and civic responsibility by visiting with legislative staff from their congressional district. Delegates also participated in National Youth Day, hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where keynote speaker Mike Schlappi, an Olympic gold medalist and author, shared his inspiring story of resilience and determination.
As they learned about U.S. government and history, students also got to know themselves better through leadership activities and team-building exercises that boosted their confidence, improved their communication and helped them see their own leadership potential.
Since its inception, the Washington Youth Tour has inspired nearly 100,000 students nationwide. Many alumni have gone on to lead in the fields of science, business and government, while continuing to make a difference in their communities.