Sharing the country’s proud heritage comes at a critical time for young people. According to data recently released by the U.S. Department of Education, just 12 percent of 12th graders demonstrated proficiency in American history.
As such, a tour of the nation’s Capital could be considered a casual visit by some. But for 104 high-achieving high school students and 14 adults from Georgia, a trip to Washington, D.C., for the 2011 Washington Youth Tour provided a keen appreciation of U.S history and the importance of leadership and service.
From June 9-16, 2011, Jordan Downing of Cairo High School, Gabrielle Howard of Bainbridge High School and Davis Jenkins of Thomas County Central High School were among Georgia’s brightest high school students sent on the Washington Youth Tour, a leadership program sponsored by the electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) in Georgia, including Grady EMC.
Downing, Howard and Jenkins did a tremendous job in serving as the 2011 WYT delegates. They represented themselves, their parents, their schools and communities extremely well. They joined more than 1,500 premiere students from 44 states for the week-long educational experience. The 2011 delegates followed an esteemed group of recent WYT alumni who have graduated as valedictorians, salutatorians and STAR students.
According to Donnie Prince with Grady EMC, the purpose of the tour is to teach students the values every electric cooperative brings to the communities they serve, promote civic involvement, enlighten youth on today’s pressing energy issues and provide a personal view of the nation’s rich heritage.
“They come away with a new appreciation for the history of the country they live in, a new interest in government and a new sense of responsibility and feeling after they’ve visited the war memorials, go to Arlington Cemetery and realize how many people sacrificed their lives so they could be in this great country,” said Paul Wood, president/CEO of Georgia EMC.
Dates for the 2012 WYT are June 14-21. Deadline for submission of applicants to Grady EMC is March 5.
See Wednesday's edition for more details.
Local News
Related Photos
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Pictured from left to right are Jordan Downing of Cairo High School, Gabrielle Howard of Bainbridge High School and Davis Jenkins of Thomas County Central High School. Submitted photo
January 24, 2012
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