Local students named GreyStone Power delegates for Washington Youth Tour

Sydney Branton of Winston, Madison Clevenger of Dallas, Andrew Hawkinson of Douglasville, Rian Philip of Fayetteville and Cassie Rich of Villa Rica have been selected to attend the 54th annual Washington Youth Tour, a once in a lifetime leadership experience made possible through the generosity of the electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) in Georgia, including GreyStone Power.
According to Ashley Kinnard, public relations and communications manager with GreyStone Power, it is an honor to be chosen for the trip. Candidates compete for a spot alongside other teens who are community volunteers in a variety of youth service organizations, student-athletes, and members of respected academic organizations such as Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, Debate Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact Club, and Science Olympiad, as well as other notable clubs and associations.
Kinnard says the Youth Tour was established to inspire the next generation of leaders. This year’s tour, which takes place June 13-20, will expose students to the fast-paced world of politics and leadership.
Students were carefully selected through an application process which included taking an exam that covered information about the history of rural electrification, U.S. government, and GreyStone.
Former delegates and participating EMCs agree the Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young adults an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“The Youth Tour helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our government and American history,” recalls 2018 GreyStone delegate Mark Essien. “That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he adds.
Delegates will explore government on a local and national level, gathering in Atlanta before departing for Washington, D.C. While visiting our nation’s capital, the delegates will have the opportunity to meet with their elected officials to discuss and learn about issues that are important locally.
The Georgia delegation will join more than 1,700 additional youth representing cooperatives across the nation. The students will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and views about local and national issues with peers from other states.
“I learned that no matter how young I am, my voice matters,” noted a former delegate. Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has given more than 3,000 students from Georgia and more than 50,000 nationwide the opportunity to take part in this unique experience. President Lyndon Johnson initially requested the program to “send youngsters to the nation’s capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” GreyStone Power is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to more than 117,000 members in eight counties, including portions of Paulding, Douglas, Fulton, Cobb, Carroll, Bartow, Fayette, and Coweta counties. Learn more at www.greystonepower.com.

PHOTO: GreyStone President/CEO Gary Miller, left, and Board member Maribeth Wansley, right, congratulate youth tour winners (from left): Madison Clevenger, Sydney Branton, Cassie Rich, Andrew Hawkinson and Rian Philip.