Local Students Represent Altamaha EMC on Leadership Experience in Washington, D.C.
Three exceptional students from the Altamaha EMC service area recently returned from the Washington Youth Tour, a life-changing, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations, including Altamaha EMC.
From June 13 through 20, Kingston Ryals and Aiden Harvill of Vidalia, along with Izzy Edge of Soperton, joined more than 1,800 high school students from across the country in our nation’s capital. During the tour, they explored historic sites, built leadership skills, and learned the value of civic engagement and public service.
“This experience provides a powerful, realworld lesson in history, leadership, and community impact that can’t be taught in a classroom,” said Will NeSmith, Washington Youth Tour Coordinator at Altamaha EMC. “By visiting the places where history was made, students gain a deeper appreciation for their role in shaping the future.”
The 2025 Georgia delegation included 116 student delegates, 14 chaperones, and three tour directors. The experience began with a send-off banquet in Atlanta, honoring the students and their families before they journeyed to Washington, D.C.
While in the capital, students visited historic landmarks including Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Museums. They also toured memorials honoring Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, MLK, and veterans of World War II, Vietnam, and Korea.
One highlight was a scenic dinner cruise aboard the Cherry Blossom Riverboat on the Potomac River, where students enjoyed fellowship and views of the city’s most iconic monuments.
The students also engaged in meaningful conversations about leadership and civic responsibility. They attended a congressional luncheon where they met with staff from Georgia’s congressional delegation and had the opportunity to interact with Senator Raphael Warnock. Delegates also took part in National Youth Day, hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), where they heard an inspiring keynote address from Mike Schlappi, a Paralympic gold medalist and author.
“This trip gave me a new perspective on leadership and showed me how important it is to stay involved and informed in my community,” said Kingston Ryals.
Since its inception, the Washington Youth Tour has impacted nearly 50,000 students nationwide. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in business, science, education, and public service, including members of the U.S. Senate.
“The connections these students make and the experiences they gain have the power to influence not just their futures, but the future of our communities,” added NeSmith. About Altamaha EMC
Altamaha EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative serving 14,415 members across seven counties in southeast Georgia. The cooperative is committed to providing reliable, affordable electric service and to supporting leadership development opportunities in the communities it serves.
About Georgia EMC
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp., and Georgia System Operations Corp. Together, Georgia’s customer- owned co-ops provide electricity to approximately 5 million people across 73 percent of the state. Learn more at www.georgiaemc. com and follow Georgia EMC on Facebook and X.
