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>> Tri-County EMC Youth Tour Delegate Allie Chambers enjoyed meeting U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall during the congressional luncheon held in Washington, D.C. <<

Allie Chambers Summarizes Her Youth Tour Experience

>> Allie Chambers of Jones County returned from Washington, D.C. with a fresh perspective on leadership and an understanding of our nation's capital. During June 10 - 17, Tri-County EMC's Youth Tour Delegate Allie Chambers joined 87 other Georgia students and 1,400 teens nationwide to visit famous monuments, memorials, museums and more.

The journey got underway with a banquet held in Atlanta on June 10. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor encouraged the Washington Youth Tour delegates to read the newspaper every day to stay informed of current events and to remain active in their communities. He also stated that some students are born leaders, some are made leaders and others would return from Washington having become leaders.

In Atlanta, the group toured the Governor's mansion where they received autographed photos of Governor Sonny Perdue and his wife Mary. At CNN, the delegates spent time with anchors Daryn Kagan and Elizabeth Cohen. Kagan shared her professional story admitting that she was sometimes discouraged by pessimists during her career. She urged students to follow their dreams, even when others might under- estimate their abilities. Delegates also visited Georgia EMC to learn about Georgia's 42 EMCs and the electric distribution network.

After arriving in our nation's capitol, students met their peers from other states to tour the newly dedicated World War II Memorial; Supreme Court; Washington Monument; Lincoln, Jefferson,  Iwo Jima and  Vietnam Memorials; Holocaust Museum; National Cathedral; Smithsonian Institute and other sites. At Arlington Cemetery, the Georgia group laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

"Many things in life will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart--pursue those," said Mike Schlappi, a four-time U.S. Olympic medalist in men's wheelchair basketball, who spoke to the high school students in Washington, D.C. during the All-States Youth Day rally. Schlappi was one of many speakers who encouraged students to never be without goals or 'passions' and to go after them. "If there is a great enough 'why,' we will almost always figure out the 'how.'" During the rally, students cheered on their peers from their respective states while listening to a variety of energetic speakers. (33570-01) 

Students interacted with their congressmen during the congressional luncheon. "This experience alone is extremely valuable," remarks Washington Youth Tour Coordinator Margaret Morris. "How many high school students have the chance to meet their congressman and discuss issues that are important to them?"

"I had a wonderful time in Washington," says Chambers. "To visit all the memorials and monuments, and to fully understand the sacrifices of our armed forces and country as a whole, was incredible. Becoming almost best friends with 87 other people was great, too. The experience would not have been quite so great if it had not been for our chaperones and my fellow Youth Tour delegates."

The concept of the Washington Youth Tour made its mark in history. It was inspired by former president Lyndon Johnson who encouraged electric co-ops "to send youngsters to the nation's capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents." <<