Youth Outreach

Washington Youth Tour

Sumter Electric Membership Corporation (SEMC) has selected three local high school students to represent SEMC on the 2023 Washington Youth Tour, which involves a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., to learn more about our nation's capital.

Sumter EMC implemented a new application process this year to allow more students to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Students either wrote an essay or submitted a video explaining where they would like to visit most in Washington, D.C. Sumter EMC provided a study guide with information on the tour and history of the Cooperative to read in preparation for a quiz they took over the materials.

Sumter EMC also conducted interviews with each applicant, where these students demonstrated the caliber and poise to earn them a spot on this year's trip. As a result, Ella Hamsley, Abby Henderson, and Joshua McCain will participate in the all-expenses-paid leadership experience by electric membership corporations in Georgia, including Sumter EMC.

Ella Hamsley is the daughter of Stacie and Keith Hamsley and a junior at Lee County High School. She is active in her school and community. Ella is an energetic dance team member of the National Honors Society and Beta Club. In addition, she served as a camp intern at Camp Invention, a STEM summer camp for kids. She also helps the staff at Easter Seals in her spare time.

Abby Henderson is the daughter of Dee Henderson and a junior at Lee County High School. She is active in her community and cheerleading, and she loves history. Abby is involved in DECA Club and BETA Club at her school. She is also an active member of YoungLife and has been for the last three years.

Joshua McCain is the son of Michele and Dana McCain and a sophomore at Chattahoochee County High School. He participates in the school's FBLA, Drama, and Robotics Club. Joshua is a member of the National Junior Honors Society. In addition, he participates in many community activities, including youth STEM outreach, child-focused theatrical performances, and FBLA fundraisers. Joshua has also worked as a summer youth camp counselor.

Every year, Sumter EMC recognizes outstanding high school students who are leaders in their schools, communities, places of worship, or academic and community organizations by providing a valuable leadership development program for exceptional teens through the Washington Youth Tour, established by America's Electric cooperatives to inspire and educate our youth. The trip is June 15-22.

During the seven-day trip, Ella, Abby, and Joshua will visit some of the most exciting tourist spots, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Vernon, and more, all while being exposed to government on a local and national level.

"We're excited for these three students to represent Sumter EMC on the 2023 Washington Youth Tour," said VP of Marketing and Administration Andrea Walker. "It's a wonderful opportunity that will allow them to network with fellow peers from across the state, explore our nation's educational museums and monuments, and enhance their knowledge of our government," said Walker.

Walter Harrison Scholarship

The Walter Harrison Scholarship program was created in 1985 in memory of Walter Harrison, a Georgia and national rural electric co-op pioneer. The statewide scholarship is funded through donations from EMCs throughout Georgia and pays $1,000 to each winner. Recipients can use the scholarship at any two or four-year accredited university or college (including vocational-technical colleges) in Georgia. 

Each year, Sumter EMC submits the applications of two local finalists to Georgia EMC. Georgia EMC's scholarship committee judges applications nationwide and selects the final winners. Both financial need and academic ability are used in determining winners. To be eligible, a candidate must reside in a Sumter EMC member's household (primary residence). 

Contact Tonya Jones at Sumter EMC, (229) 924-8041, (800) 342-6978, via email to Tonya Jones, or click one of the links below to view the 2023 scholarship application and criteria for eligibility:

Walter Harrison Scholarship Application

• MS Word Format
• PDF Format

Applications for 2023 must be submitted to Sumter EMC no later than January 13, 2023. Send your completed application to Tonya Jones, Sumter EMC, P. O. Box 1048, Americus, GA 31709. Recipients will be announced in May. 

FFA Electrification Contest

Sumter EMC is proud to support (along with other Georgia EMCs) participation by local schools in the EMC/FFA Electrification Contest. The wiring contest is a competitive educational program which promotes the safe, efficient use of electrical energy.

For more information, contact Jason Hall, Energy Services Representative for Sumter EMC, or: 

• Click here to visit the Georgia FFA Association website. 
• Click here to view FFA photos 

Young Co-op Couples Conference

Each year Sumter EMC selects a young couple from its service area to represent the Cooperative at the Young Couples Cooperative Conference sponsored by the Georgia Cooperative Council, Inc., the South Carolina Council of Cooperatives, and the Cooperative Council of North Carolina. The goals of this unique three-day conference are:

1. To provide an opportunity for young couples to gain additional knowledge and insight into their cooperatives' economic and service opportunities.
2. To provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in their cooperatives and communities' leadership needs.
3. To provide an opportunity to make new friends.
4. To find out what young couples think so cooperatives can better serve their needs.

The ultimate purpose is to strengthen the relationship between cooperatives and participating couples. For more information on the conference, contact Tonya Jones.

GHSA State Championships

Sumter EMC joins 29 EMCs across the state to announce a partnership with the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) to sponsor more than 80 state championships during the 2022-2023 season. This season marks the 20th consecutive year Georgia's EMCs have been GHSA sponsors.

Long-time supporters of a variety of programs for students, the sponsorship allows Sumter EMC to support student athletes, parents and the entire athletic community. This year's championship games will feature sports ranging from football to track, riflery to basketball. State championships also include literary competitions such as one-act plays and debate. 

Plan to attend these great events and bring your family! For a complete calendar of events, visit the GHSA web site at www.ghsa.net .